For many American expats, election is literally a sleepless night

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Election results for Americans at home can be exhausting, but for Americans abroad, watching the results can literally be an all-night affair.

Most of Europe is six hours ahead of the East Coast and nine hours ahead of the West Coast. So for expats watching returns on the continent, the first polls won't even close before midnight and the winner, Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, won't likely be known until 3 or 4 a.m.

While expats in Europe are likely calling into work on Wednesday if they stay up for the whole event, those in Australia might need to stream cable news at their desks. If results are announced between 11 p.m. and midnight Eastern, it would be between 9 and 10 a.m., the start of the work day down under.

Though the timing is not convenient, the election can also be an opportunity for expats to revel in some of the tastes and traditions of home, while the spectacle of American democracy is put on display for the world to see.

In Prague, the group Democrats Abroad is throwing a watch party at a local restaurant from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. local time. The menu is pure Americana: burgers, tacos, macaroni and cheese, and ice cream. Drink specials include special red, white and blue shots, and pitchers of margaritas.

In Amsterdam, Dutch Culture Minister Jet Bussemaker appeared at an election watch party dressed in a canary yellow pantsuit in an homage to Hillary Clinton.

And in Sydney, one bar was offering to kick off Wednesday in style, with an election party starting at 9:30 a.m., with Coors beer specials, chili dogs and other American-themed specials. The Morrison promised "All Americans, Aussies and other expats [are] welcome, but we may build a wall of Tecate and VB cans to keep the Kiwis out."