I had been in the US for 4th of July twice before. Once in Lake Tahoe post University where I was working for a caterer, serving burgers before joining a friends BBQ to watch the fireworks over the lake. Then the following year I was in Michigan for a wedding. We had watched the local parade before again getting out on the lake, eating drinking and being merry. Both times revolved around food, friends, fireworks and frolicking in the water. I was looking forward to much of the same to celebrate this national day and traditional kick off of summer.
We set off from LA at about 7am on the 4th July to try and beat the traffic up the coast. In no time at all we were up in Montecito - the hillside town about 10 minutes out of Santa Barbara and sunning around the pool. Sam's family had only recently purchased the property that sat high on the hill. Rows of citrus trees covered the lawn below the house, with distant views of Ventura. After a morning music duty, linking the stereo system to the one of number of speakers around the house.
It was long until the boys were creeping into some beer pong action. It was 4th of July after all! Tom Darby was pretty experienced and could sink a swish from 10 ft out. Competitive streaks started to show. By the end some warm beers were consumed, losers thrown in the pool and a number of laughs had been had.
The boys soon sparked up the barbie, while the ladies prepared the salads. Hot dogs and hand pressed, home made hamburgers were grilled and served with all the trimmings. I was still on music so bought out my version of Americana while we ate. Bruce Springsteen and John Cougar Mellencamp were particularly memorable and fitting for the occasion.
In the afternoon more games took place. Corn hole, table tennis, underwater swimming. I really got the Spotify playlist into a more urban genre bringing out some old school hip hop as the day turned to night. We sat around the patio and played a game of Cards Against Humanity - a party game for horrible people where by punters had to put forward there most offensive suggestion to solve common questions and queries. Loads of laughs, whiskeys and singalongs including a live rendition of my new song Full Moon.
Sunday was a beach day while some of us stayed behind to watch the World Cup football games.
Down to The Lark for dinner. It was full of relaxed holiday makers enjoying the long weekend. The food was stunning as we were served up a number of sharing plates. Pork belly, crab, roasted beets all featured as a few toasts and speeches were made thanking Sam for her hospitality.
The rest of the night was spent having a look around the Santa Barbara nightlife. A few pints of Guinness at the Irish pub James Joyce and. Santa Monica is quaint and charming. Very safe and gentrified compared to the rest of LA. Given it was 4th of July there were lots of tourists and visitors about.
I love everything about 4th of July. Its a time out to enjoy the American summer and everything that comes with it. It reminds me of Xmas day just without the family and presents.
Thanks Sam! See you next year?
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