Independence Day 2009

The first beautiful day after a month-long miserable wet weather, this July 4th is really exciting for at least one more reason. I take a walk around the major action and countless people. My first sight of the river is quite breath-taking:

A waxing moon appears next to I.M. Pei's John Hancock Tower.

A Boston landmark, the Citgo sign, and the Harvard bridge are in the background of the firework barge on the Charles.

The Prudential Tower basking in the setting sun. Behind it to the left is 111 Huntington Avenue, nicknamed the "R2-D2" Building.

The John Hancock Tower and the Esplanade from the Longfellow Bridge. Notice the crowds.

Memorial Drive from the Longfellow Bridge.

At the Esplanade, waiting for the concert and fireworks.

People rise when the Boston Pops plays the Star-Spangled Banner. See some people put their hands on their hearts.

Then everyone looks east. Like bolts with roaring thunder coming from over the sea are the four fighter jets (red and green dots in the sky. Where am I focusing on?!显然是美女的头发).

Passing overhead.

I am totally moved by the patriotism exuberated by people.

It's getting dark.

I don't have a good spot for the fireworks.

There are many people in front of me. The die-hard photographers come several (>6) hours before the show to take the prime spots, near the water. I am definitely not die-hard, because I only realize after that my tripod head along with my camera vibrated during these long exposures. Sigh. Maybe I should invest in a remote release control and a better tripod. Nonetheless, the 20-min firework show looks fabulous. I'm so proud of my homeland for making this show possible.










Now, can anyone guess how this one is done?