independence

It really does have its perks when your sister works at the American Academy. The American Embassy hosted their 4th July party in the Academy's garden (on 3rd July for some reason...) and staff was allowed to bring one guest. After having gone through airport control type posts with American cops in blue uniforms, we hit the party and enjoyed what would have been Mark's dream and Sheri's nightmare. The Hilton, Carlton and Marriott hotels did the sponsoring and served up burgers, steaks, ribs, wings, chilli followed by cheesecake, ice cream, Dunkin Donuts, massive cakes and so on. A marine band did a good show, and we finished the evening watching the fireworks over the Wannsee. Just a shame the kids couldn't come, they would have loved the bouncy castle that was provided.