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There’s Nothing Fun About Exploding Sperm.

Is it just me, or does it not even really feel like the Fourth of July?

I mean — it’s the 4th.  Of July.  Literally.  But does it feel like a holiday?  Probably not, if you’re not in the U.S.  And probably not if, like me, you are in the U.S. but aren’t planning any grilling/feasting/playing-with-explosives-while-consuming-large-quantities-of-fermented-beverages activities.

Fireworks make me nervous.

They’ve always made me nervous.  Even as a kid.  So while I won’t hesitate to rappel waterfalls in Costa Rica or jump from a Cessna Caravan soaring high above the Hawaiian Islands, the thought of setting off Black Cats and Roman Candles and spinners and even “harmless” sparklers and those little popping sperm-like things you throw on the ground that explode with a mini-fierce CRACK that really probably aren’t harmless at all because seriously — what’s “harmless” about exploding sperm? — the thought of all that makes me twitchy and paranoid and inclined to repeatedly shout things like, “Be careful!” and, “Run!” and, “I once heard about a kid who lost his entire hand from an errant Black Cat — his hand!” and other general phrases that make people who are actually enjoying the dangerous, drunken festivities want to tie my leg to a rocket bomb and set it alight, just to see what happens.

Fun Snaps

Take my word for it — there’s nothing fun about exploding sperm.

So.

Read the rest of this gem…

Celebrate Good Times

Two days ago the Central American country of Costa Rica celebrated 189 years of independence.  It was kind of a big deal.

And while we didn’t see any fireworks here in the little town of Bagaces, the people here proved that they do, without a doubt, know how to celebrate.

People lined the streets to watch a parade put on by school students of all ages.  Some were dressed in beautiful (I’m assuming traditional?) clothes.

Bagaces, Costa Rica Independence Day

Don’t let all the jeans fool you – it was HOT outside.

Bagaces, Costa Rica Independence Day

I think the entire town showed up – lining the streets and even climbing trees to watch the parade.

Bagaces, Costa Rica Independence Day Parade

Our friend Karla’s son played the drum.

Parade Drums

Oh, the drums.

Bagaces School Band

This isn’t your typical American high school marching band.  This was something else.  Something spectacular.  The rhythm was palpable.  And the energy of the players – even through the heat – was incredible.  They jumped in the air, throwing the barrels behind their backs like it was nothing.  It wasn’t just music.  It was a dance.  It was intense.

Bagaces Costa Rica School Drums

What I learned that day about this town is that the people here are really no different from any small community in the U.S.  They love gathering for celebrations, and all of the related accoutrements: eating great food, listening to fun music, and of course, showing off their babies.

By the way, I really think Erin and I are finally starting to blend in.

Don’t you think?