July 4th Abroad

As an immigrant, it is weird for the Fourth of July to come and go without much fanfare, thought or celebration. My husband and I made American burgers & fries, and hung the flag in recognition. We got a lot of strange looks from passers by, but most Swedes were smiling and waving as if they somehow wanted to share in my little celebration.

We had a much different reaction when we hung the Swedish flag for the Euro Cup. Angry, mean, reactions from neighbors, passers by, and even family. It was totally surreal.