July 4th is a big deal
Embassies and Consulates go to great lengths to celebrate July 4th. In Shenyang, we throw a big party every year. We invite our local contacts, government officials, representatives from other countries’ consulates, and American businesspeople to come. There are some speeches, food, and conversation.
This year we held our event in a local hotel. The theme was American music. Â I brought my family’s Wii and copy of Rock Band. It was a big hit with some schoolchildren who came to the party.
This year I had the huge honor of being the MC of the event. I made announcements and introductions in English and Chinese, and translated the Consul General’s speech into Chinese.
The event was a big success; we had a big turnout, the food was great, and everyone seemed to have a good time.