Of course, as time goes by, you notice less and less because what was once novel is now mundane. This process is so slow and unconscious that you don't notice it until you go back to America after 23 years and realize that you grew so acclimated to the ebb and flow of life in Japan that you are more synchronized with their life than life at "home". Such is the case with holidays.
I grew used to the rhythm of time off and holidays in Japan and I've found that I not only miss the New Year's break, but all of the holidays they have that we don't. The American holidays take me by surprise, and I find it hard to get into the spirit of them. I absolutely miss the holiday schedule and how it shaped my life in Japan.
I am about to hit my first Golden Week. This'll be interesting to experience.
ReplyDeleteRecently I missed Easter in the UK. It happened here in Japan, but with a lot less pomp and ceremony. I got confused when I called the UK and I found out kids were not at school! Crazy talk!