We celebrated in true America fashion:
Golf cart parades 🛺 , flag-themed everything 🇺🇸, fireworks 🎆 , lemonade stands 🍋 , dogs in bandanas 🐶, the works.
And while part of me still looks at these moments through South African eyes, another part is learning to lean in — to celebrate new traditions while holding onto old ones.
What stands out most?
– The patriotism.
– The sheer scale.
– The joy people take in being American — in showing up, decorating their homes, dressing up, waving flags like it’s the most natural thing in the world (because here, it is).
For expats like us, these moments can be strange and beautiful all at once. You feel like a guest at first — watching from the sidelines — until one day, you realize you’re no longer just watching… you’re part of it.
And for our kids? This is their childhood now. A blend of boerewors and hot dogs. Of Springboks and star-spangled banners.
To those who’ve walked this path — and those just starting — here’s to celebrating every step. From visa applications to green cards to parades on unfamiliar streets that slowly start to feel like home.
