Week 5: Fireworks!

So this past week consisted entirely of getting ready for the 4th of July. I know that it is tradition to be excided about our nation’s independence, but for some reason it means so much more to me this year because I am in the nation’s capitol! It all started on Friday. I had the day off, thank goodness, and a few friends and I were scheduled to be in the Independence Day Parade. I have never heard of this particular parade, but I was excited to be in it.

When we got to the volunteer entrance, we found out that we would be holding onto balloons. I had no idea that they meant the gigantic balloons that one sees for the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade! We walked several blocks, and it was very exciting to see the thousands of visitors all along the road enjoying the festivities. We walked all along Constitution Avenue and the sights were amazing! I walked past the IRS building, The White House, and several other buildings that we decorated with American flags and such. AWESOME!

Me waiting for the balloons to be inflated

They were huge! This is Uncle Sam.

After the parade, my friend Keona and I went to a BBQ put on by some people that I have gotten to know here. We really did not know what to expect, but it was probably the fanciest BBQ that I have ever been to! There were many different homemade salads, slow cooked pork shoulder, homemade sangria punch, and several tasty sweets. It was a nice and relaxing break from the heat!

That night we went to watch the big show. We left a little late from my apartment, and I did not know if we would be able to get a good view of the fireworks, but all my worrying was for nothing. We got in, sat right in front of the Washington Monument, and watched the fireworks to the west. I would definitely recommend watching the fireworks in the mall area at least once in your life. There are other options for watching the show, but this is an experience that I will always remember! They were so big!

Saturday was a day to regenerate. My roommates Alex and Julia, and my friend Keona went to Bethesda and watched Wanted, with Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy. It was a little graphic, but very good. Then we walked around and went into a few cute little shops along the way.

This is my roommate Alex. Love her!

Things were great this weekend, but I am excited about shopping next weekend!