GOLDEN WEEK

The EXODUS has begun:

People leave the city to go back to their hometown and some, those who have planned their trips since last year, have booked to a place of their dream. For some, this is a great time for bonding with their own family; some couples spirit away to the beach: Hawaii, Phuket, or anywhere else they consider Paradise. Still others prefer to go travelling alone to a quiet place where they can relax.

But for me who have experienced those long queues at airport check-in counters, I prefer the solitude and quiet of this place I now call my second-home!

I have no idea why this week is called Golden: I don't see anything 'gold' in this, anyway. But any rest day is sure welcome in the fast-paced Land of the Rising Sun.

What I know is that April 30 is SHOWA Day. It is the birthday of Emperor Hirohito, called Emperor Showa [ his reign is also called Showa]. The current Emperor -Akihito's [Hirohito's first son-] reign is called Heisei.

Then May 4 is Children's Day: a day for kids, sons, mostly. This is the time when big carps flags are festooned on bamboo poles in front of one's abode. It flies high and mighty as a symbol and to tell others in the neighborhood that there is an heir that resides in that house. Still male-dominated, ei?


With all these holidays celebrated one after the other, perhaps the Government deemed it right to grant Holidays in bulk. However, not all Companies go on Holiday. Some are open on May 1 & 2 . Transport Companies, likewise have their skeleton force on call. Of course, department stores make brisk business during these days. Almost all troop to stores for food, or just fancy shopping!

Almost all schools have been off since yesterday. Kids are seen everywhere: playing in parks, trouping the department stores, especially the teens whose giggly voices are heard in every nook.

And I have enough time to watch the movies......

on the tube!

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