Kevin from Reservations gave me a lift to work but I have to walk to his house as the roads are blocked off for the Independence Day parade, which incidentally begins preparations at 5.00 am, right outside my window, waking me up!It's a half an hour walk along a route I am familiar with, but takes longer because of the amount of people.Normally when I walk this route I am usually the only pedestrian around as everyone in California drives.Today, everyone is out and it's strange to see so many people after being accustomed to what I call 'Car City'. There are numerous families and the Star Spangled Banner seems to be everywhere I turn.Every house is decorated and there is a happy, carnival atmosphere.It's nice to see people proudly celebrating being American.The only times I see scenes like this in England is when we win sport events, which are limited to sport lovers and since we English don't win many sporting events, are very rare occurrences indeed!

I have to work today, everyone does; nobody is allowed a day off on Independence Day. It's all hands on deck and the managers leave all kinds of soft drinks and snacks out in a staff room so we can help ourselves.I'm staying after work tonight because the Dunes put on a fireworks display every year.

The fireworks at Newport Dunes start at 9.00 pm on the beach and I am really excited as the fireworks display is regularly regarded as the best in Orange County and always reported as front page news. I am invited to sit with Alex's family. Alex works in the front desk and is from Mexico although she has recently obtained US citizenship, which she had to wait 9 years for.I am fascinated by her life story as she told me how she was driven over the border in the boot of a car, which was a scary experience, and went to live with relatives where she learned to speak English.To gain her citizenship she had to pass a strict interview whereby she had to know certain facts about the USA.She could be asked from 1 to 100 questions and if she gave a wrong answer she would fail.She also had to learn the national anthem and swear allegiance at a special ceremony.

The atmosphere is happy and jovial and everyone is excited about the fireworks. People are having picnics all over the beach, taking part in the entertainment and having a very good time.

The fireworks do not disappoint, they are beautiful and light up the lagoon they are exploding over, amongst many 'oohs' and 'aahs' in time to military band music.It lasts for at least 20 minutes. Combined with the music this gives an impression of a very powerful nation.A professional singer then sings the national anthem.I notice Alex proudly has her hand on her heart when she sings and she obviously considers herself to be American now.

It is spine tingling to hear the anthem sung live with the audience on the beach all singing proudly along with hands on heart.Yet despite my enjoying the events immensely, I feel like an outsider and very far from home tonight.