Celebrating the fourth of July from a foreign country is always a bittersweet experience. Bitter, because it is one of the most fun days to be in the US. Sweet, because travel helps one to understand how to live once one returns.

Funny how the 4th is one of our most hallowed holidays. Who works on the 4th of July?

Summer is in its full expression, the smell of the grill begins early, and the day is almost always spent with the ones you love. Here's a glimpse of my childhood front porch from the holiday a few years ago. The porch wraps around the side of the house. I spent my youth there, reading books and sleeping on a porch swing, especially in the summer heat. The house didn't have AC then, so there was no reason to be anywhere else. In one of my favorite memories, I read To Kill a Mockingbird in one sitting.

Hope you enjoy the day!