July 4, officially

TO CELEBRATE THE FOURTH of July, the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa organized two parties. The first was on July 4 itself, at the Ambassador's residence. That was a formal affair (suit and tie) for Congolese officials, other diplomats, and that sort of set. Members of the U.S. mission also attended. The Marine Security Guard detachment presented the colors, the national anthems of DRC and the USA were sung, and the Ambassador made some brief remarks in French.

Wine -- kosher, it turns out -- from California was served, as well as beer and soft drinks. The menu featured dishes from all across the U.S., including crabcakes; bagels, lox, and smoked salmon; "Santa Fe Wraps"; pulled pork sandwiches (nice complement to the kosher wine); hamburgers; hush puppies; chocolate chip cookes; red, white, and blue sugar cookies; apple pie; cherry pie; and blueberry pie.

A Congolese band played American jazz standards. A good time was had by all.