The Singapore 4th of July

Dear Readers,

There are so manyAmericans here that every year the American Association holds a huge celebration in a field at the end of the island for the Americans. That includes Americans married to Singaporeans, Chinese, Indians, Germans, Muslims, and all their relatives. All you have to have is a picture ID, no weapons or bombs, and be prepared to be xrayed. It's a massive event complete with American hambrugers and hot dogs, cotton candy, Mexican food, vegeterian entrees, and beer, beer, beer. There are blow up playgrounds for the kids, art and games for the kids, music on the stage, and vendors from American car companies, Harley Davis, and the American school.

Steve and I took a taxi. It was bright and sunny when we left our hotel but the sky darkened every couple of miles we went. We drove straight north to the beach between Sinagpore and Malaysia. There we arrived at the Terror Club (Where did they come up with that name?) which had a huge field. They were isolated from residences too which helped with the firework permit. There are no fireworks allowed in Singapore unless the government does it. A person can't purchase them or explode them. So I delighted to hear there would be fireworks allowed by the government.

It looked like rain when we got there. A friend of mine had reserved a table under the food tent for us and so we sat there so awhile eating and waiting for the sky to clear. It did without actually raining (as it did last year I understand). You could smell the rain in the air but it rained somewhere else.

We ventured out to walk around and listen to the band playing Doobie brothers and some country music. I don't know where they got these guys. We wandered around for awhile and then got a seat on the bleachers over looking the soccer field where everyone else was sitting on cardboard. It was dark by seven and at eight they lit the fireworks. Great show. The Sinagpore anthem was sung first, then the Star Spangled Banner. The colors were retired and then came the time to go home. How you ask? We don't have a car and taxis were nonexistent out there. The club had arranged for a shuttle to the MRT. We got into a long line and waited. And waited. The police who were hearing the angry crowd become a mob called for the bus to get there. Where they were we don't know but the police flagged them down. We got on the second bus and got to the MRT in one piece. I was still carrying my mickey mouse ears. The police got on the MRT with us and looked fierce. I think they were looking for someone. Someone with mickey mouse ears, Steve said.

Overall, it was great being with my co-country men. I do have to say that the Australians can drink Americans under the table. That's just a fact. I even had on my 4th of July Tee Shirt which I bought from Walmart last time I was home. The next time I wear it, I will be home. Bye.