Valentines Treats

Call it whatever you like: commercial exploitation; sentimental drivel; forced emotional displays of affections etc. but I love Valentines, its just a little excuse to go all out romantic and do something for somebody you care about. In a world full of cynicism and an increasing emphasis on individualism, we have a day reminding us of all those we love, and how could anybody fault that?

Sadly, the person I would have spent Valentines with is not in Japan so I had dinner with some close friends instead. Kevin, Alex, Frank, Liz and I went to dinner at the local Italian restaurant- Italian food seems fittingly romantic for Valentines Day- and whiled away the evening trying to get Alex to give us all the goss on the girl that he likes. He kept schtum, the killjoy, and refused to comment although from what we gathered, she'd sent him something. How sweet!

The Japanese also celebrate Valentines, though their traditions are slightly different to ours. On 14th February, the girls present the boys with something, which usually turns out to be chocolate. The Japanese guys would secretly complain about receiving chocolate since they'd prefer something a bit more masculine but unfortunately, chocolate is what they'll get. The gesture is not exclusive to couples, girls can give it to any boy(s) that she just happens to like. Then, on 14th March, the boys will give the girls something back in return and the etiquette is that this has to be more expensive or grand than what the girls have given the boys. Poor boys! Even if the boy doesnt like the girl, its only polite for him to give something back. Occassionally, a popular boy will end up becoming penniless after 14th March.

Lena received the box of allsorted cakes from a student she is teaching Russian to and she shared it out with us, which was beyond generous. So what did I receive? One heart-shaped lollipop ring, two cards, a computer virus (thanks Maple!) and the knowledge that O-farto loves me too.