Who Stole the 4th of July

While most Americans living in the US traditionally celebrate the country’s independence with barbeques, fireworks, parades, flags with stars and stripes  waving from on high and below, the majority of American Expats based throughout the world, are plugging away in their offices, since July 4th is like any other day. It’s not that country’s holiday; so, it’s business as usual.  Do American expats living in France stop to celebrate July 14th, France’s Bastille Day? Sure they do and why not? Offices and many stores are closed and there’s no reason not enjoy the extra day of vacation.  If the holiday falls on a Tuesday or a Thursday, chances are that many people will faire le pont,(take the preceding or following day) and benefit from a four day weekend and/ or a mini-vacation. If you’re dependent upon interacting with French colleagues, attempting to conduct business when there’s a holiday is next to futile. There’s no way on earth you’re going to make contact since the French take their holidays seriously and opt for a better quality of life than, perhaps, sealing a deal.  Conversely, if you work for an American or a multi-national corporation and are up against deadlines, bag the idea of attending a Fireman’s Ball, that occurs on the night of the 13th and give you a real taste of France. You won’t have time to watch the following day’s traditional parade, complete with flyovers, intended to impress dignitaries (including France’s president), who sit on the especially constructed bleachers and watch France’s military troops march in perfect formation down the Champs Elysées.  People line up on the sidewalk beginning very early in the morning. It may be hot – it’s always crowded and by the time the parade begins, there’s not an inch of room to be had.  Fathers balance smaller children on their shoulders so their off-spring can catch a glimpse of the imposing procession. It’s the type of thing some people feel the need to do but, usually, only once. After that, they’re content to stay at home and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the impressive event courtesy of numerous television stations.  I’m usually in Provence for the first part of July. One of the reasons (besides all of the obvious ones) is that we have friends who throw a terrific 4th of July party that attracts people from all over the area.  People from Paris make the pilgrimage as this is a “can’t be missed party.”  The hostess is ever so American while her French husband has, after numerous years, learned to expect an onslaught of people. This year’s 4th of July party took place on the 1st since it was a weekend. The event isn’t restricted to Americans – although most of the guests are Anglophones even if they French.  You’ll meet people from Canada, the UK, Scotland — in other words, expats who often have settled in the region. They may not consider Provence their primary home but they have a good time when they’re in residence. The couple’s hill-top home is spectacular and provides the perfect setting. There’s an area in the garden, that’s occasionally used as an outdoor theater. People are drafted into singing songs and performing skits that may, or may not be, politically correct. This year, both George Bush and Jacques Chirac made an appearance. What they said to one another shall remain strictly private. The evening begins with drinks — mostly beer and wine. But true to Provence, Pastis is offered and happily imbibed. There were some plates passed containing things on which to munch to stave off starvation and to insure that no one was too drunk not to be able to participate in the evening’s entertainment. It’s not everyday that the (hmmmm) Dixie Chicks make a cameo appearance in someone’s private home.  After the performance, guests draw little cards denoting which table they’ll be sitting. There are far too many people for everyone to be seated together. That’s when the fun begins. Each person introduces him or her self and I suspect it’s very unusual that people don’t make at least one new friend. Since it’s the 4th of July, the hostess always serves ribs, baked beans, old fashion potato salad and brownies, ice cream and water melon for dessert. The dinner guests don’t stop talking and it’s fascinating to hear why and how the majority of them gravitated to the Vaison-la-Romaine area and how they keep busy. The majority of the atendees have had careers where travel has been an integral part of their jobs and they’ve been posted all over the world. This year was a year that will always be remembered. The World Cup was taking place and as soon as the game began between France and Brazil, the cheering escalated after France scored their first (and only) goal. Even though there were representatives from many countries, it was amazing how we shared a common bond.  We were all voting for the same team since no one from Brazil was represented. Or if there were, they remained silent. We may come from numerous countries with differing ideas and values. But, when it came to “Le Foot”, everyone was unanimous that France had to win! Thank goodness, they did!   © Karen Fawcett