You might think I miss out on American holidays by living overseas. It's true that some holidays are overlooked here in Lebanon, but most holidays have equivalents even if they occur on different dates. There are no fewer than four separate "Independence Days" designated as national holidays. Mother's Day is the first day of spring. There are Armed forces days in November and May to honor war heroes and there’s a Labor Day in January. Both Eastern and Western Christmas and Easter are celebrated as well as a host of lesser religious holidays for Christians and Muslims. Even Valentine's Day is celebrated with fervor.
However, St. Patrick's Day largely goes unnoticed by the general public. No one participates in the "Wearin' O' the Green" and there are no parades to celebrate the rousting of snakes or rats or whatever the reason is we celebrate it. That's not to say an uprooted expat can't find an Irish pub in town to get some corned beef and cabbage and a pint of green ale. I went to Paddy's Pub with some friends, wore a big novelty hat and topped off the meal with several Irish coffees just the same.
That's not to say I don't miss the old crowd. I cherish the freezing temperatures and warm beer on the streets of downtown Rochester. I remember fondly, the awkward conversations with acquaintances while hopping from one bar to another and drinking out of plastic cups. And who doesn't love staggering home after midnight with aching feet and smoky clothes. Ah, those were heady times.
Based on recent emails from friends at home, those events aren't taking place anymore. Green beer has been replaced by strained peas and passing out in the gutter has been replaced with falling asleep on the couch in front of Barney.
Maybe I'm not missing any holidays after all.