Today is the first day of my Golden Week Holiday - eight consecutive days at home. Usually, Golden Week is one of the three busiest travel times in Japan. This year the Prime Minister has asked everyone to stay at home and not travel to other prefectures. (In Japan this is a request, not an order, to stay home.)
This past week, when I asked my students what they will do over the holiday week this year, they all sadly said, "No plan". When I told them I had big plans for my stay-cation, they all seemed surprised. I had to explain "stay-cation" - stay at home vacation - meant I wasn't taking a trip. I was following the request to stay at home, but I still had plans for the week.
I'm going to enjoy time at home. I will put my chair outside on the balcony and drink coffee and read a book. I will walk by myself to area shrines and temples and enjoy the history and serenity of these places. I will do a little Japanese language study. Of course, I will sew and stitch on some of the projects I posted about yesterday. Maybe I will do some household chores. I love to travel, but this year I will love staying at home and enjoying things that are close by.
If you are curious about what the holiday is today - It's Showa Day. It honors the birthday of Emperor Showa, the current Emperor's grandfather, who was the reining emperor from 1926 - 1989. "Sho" means shining or bright and "wa" means peace.
The Showa emperor reigned for 63 years and society saw MANY changes during that time. In other countries we talk about ' In the 1920s, in the 50s' etc but here we talk about the Showa era with nostalgic undertones.
I think the plans for your staycation sounds great. Enjoy it
Wonderfully creative! Thanks for sharing encouragement.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lovely relaxing week, enjoy.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your staycation.
ReplyDeleteI think your staycation will be terrific -- and very productive. Enjoy every second.
ReplyDeleteThe Showa emperor reigned for 63 years and society saw MANY changes during that time. In other countries we talk about ' In the 1920s, in the 50s' etc but here we talk about the Showa era with nostalgic undertones.
ReplyDeleteI think the plans for your staycation sounds great. Enjoy it
Bringing a chair in the garden, I am planning to read books, too.
ReplyDeleteWill you have a show and tell when you and the student return from your week staycation.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your staycation!
ReplyDeleteI love stay-cations, I always find plenty of fun things to do at home :)
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