4th of July

Over here, the 4th of July is just another day. The American flag and its citizens aren't exactly held in high esteem, so no need to go around touting our Independence Day to them! But there are quite a few Americans here on the island and we know what today means and perhaps have a bit more insight to living a free life now that we are here--things that are often taken for granted when you live there and don't experience the world.

Italy is free also, and Venice has quite the history as one of the worlds first democracies--first established in 472AD!!! She is proud of her accomplishments and is steeped in tradition. It's one of the things that makes it so appealing to Americans, with our short history of some 200 years.

And not that one is better than the other, but I notice there is often a lacking of mental freedom--the power to dream--over here. Families are of the utmost importance here (and I really admire that trait) but sometimes to the detriment of experiencing all that this great land and world has to offer. Americans, on the other hand, are simply clueless to the rest of the world--somewhere along the history timeline, we got the idea that everything revolves around us--a dangerous place to be as we are finding out.

I love it here in Italy but I also love America. You can't compare the two--they are both beautiful in their own right. However, I believe that had I not been an American, I would not have had the inclination or opportunity to move here for this great adventure. I am truly blessed and may God continue to bless the United States of America and Italy.