Well, for those lucky in love, Valentine's Day is just around the corner! And for those unlucky in love, it's just another, if not the most, dreaded holiday! But for those who detest Valentine's Day, I encourage you to spend the month of February in Japan. That's right...Japan!

Japanese girls and boys also celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14th, but it reminds me more of my elementary school and good ol' Sadie Hawkins Day. You remember that don't you? That was the day that the girls would ask the boys out....actually, they were allowed to chase us around the school grounds and got to "keep" whoever they "caught"! I don't remember what happened when you got caught...I just remembered slowing down for a few of the girls in my class and praying for speed when a few others were in pursuit.

Valentine's Day in Japan is the BEST! In Japan, it is traditional for the girls to give chocolates and other sweets to boys. This is not limited to boyfriends only, but any boy they choose to give sweets to on that special day! And in return, the boys give....nothing! You heard me....N-O-T-H-I-N-G! Boys are just on the receiving end of this LOVELY day! How "sweet" is that?

Of course, don't despair girls, you'll get your chance, too. In fact, exactly one month later, on March 14th, the Japanese people celebrate White Day. This is the equivalent to Valentine's Day, but opposite, in that the boys now must return the favor!

So, for all of those gentlemen who would like to be showered with affection on Valentine's Day, purchase a ticket overseas.....just be sure you leave the country within 30 days or you'll need another kind of VISA!

Troy S. Hogg
http://www.tenchi.us