July 4th in B.A.!

Palacio Bosch is dressed up for the occasion.

To celebrate the 4th of July, the US Embassy in Buenos Aires put on a huge party.  (Since the 4th fell on a Saturday, the celebration was held on July 3rd).  The theme this year was "California," the home state of the current U.S. Ambassador to Argentina.  The crew putting this together went all out and put on the diplomatic spectacle of the year.

Cakes building bridges?  Yes.

Wha?  I can't even.....   ?
'Murica.

This party had everything - a red carpet, a showcase of high tech projects from Silicon Valley, a Hollywood themed tent with a live band, tons of food, cameo appearances by Mickey and Minnie, Miller Lite (served alongside several wines from Argentina and champagne) and about 1000 of our closest friends.

Before....

...after

 And since this is Argentina, we can't have a party without having some tango (more about that is another post, I would imagine).  So, after a certain point, all the Ambassadors and dignitaries cleared the dance floor and a couple of tango champs from Argentina showed us how it is done.

A great time was had by all - congrats to the 4th of July committee that put that event together.


On the actual Fourth of July, our trio did what you're supposed to do on the Fourth of July - grill some burgers and hot dogs and party with your friends.  For most of the crew, it was a little unusual celebrating the 4th of July with temps in the 50s.  Mark, however, is from Minnesota.  Although the 4th of July is usually monstrously hot in North star state, it probably has been in the 50s in Minnesota at least once.

Two hand hamburger hold

Gnawing away at that bad boy.