Golden Week

 Golden Week is a series of national holidays that run consecutively at the beginning of May. The odd one is April 29, Showa Day.  The other holidays are Constitution Day, Greenery Day, and Children's Day,  during the first week of May. Some companies give the few days between Showa Day and the other days, making it a nice long holiday.  Even though most companies have a paid leave system, many workers don't take the holidays. I think things are changing, but older people rarely took holidays!

I like having these few days off, but I refuse to go out as everywhere is busy!  Even shopping is a nightmare! When I was teaching full-time, I would take advantage of these few days to finish spring cleaning, prepare lessons for the next couple of months, and spend time with my kids!

Now it's a chance to binge-watch TV and read a few books without thinking that I should be doing something useful!!!

I'm not sure why, but recently, YouTube has been showing me Japanese news.   I can't understand everything, but most of what has happened I can catch.  

Yesterday, I watched a news segment about the main Shinkansen (bullet train) between Tokyo and Osaka. There was a power outage that stopped the train from running for about two hours. This was on Wednesday, the day after the first Golden Week holiday. The trains were packed, stations were overrun with passengers trying to get places. There were public announcements about the stoppage, but no reason was given. A few people managed to find alternative modes of transport or got an extra night at local hotels, but most just waited for the trains to resume operation. After a couple of hours, it was announced that a snake had gotten into the electrical wiring, causing it to short out and stop the trains. I know that for the people being stuck on the trains or in the stations, it wasn't a nice experience, but all I could think was only in Japan!  

Today we had a nice birthday lunch for Hannah. Sushi and karage (Japanese fried chicken), stuff for sandwiches, and salad. We have a cake for later, and I'm making a trifle! It was nice to have everyone here, just to chat and catch up!

Unfortunately, both Hannah and I are a bit down. Hannah has a sore throat, and my allergies are extremely bad!

Never mind, this too shall pass!

Our lunch today!

Lots of nice food

Fred took to guarding the sushi when David bought it this morning.

Fred on guard duty!