Golden Week
So next week Monday to Wednesday + this Wednesday are all part of a series of holidays in Japan known as Golden Week.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Week_(Japan)
These holidays include a past emperor’s birthday, a couple nature loving days, the constitutional memorial day, and children’s day! Unlike in the States where we only have Father’s and Mother’s day (and informally Grandparent’s day) for “family” holidays, here in Japan they also have Children’s day. The decorations around Japan for Children’s day happens to be some colorful Carp Streamers - which look like they are swimming when the wind is blowing.
As for this past weekend, Ayako and I spent a very long time filling out and signing the apartment contract. I was worn out from sitting in the apartment company’s office for 2 and a half hours as they went over all the rules and agreements. Money was paid, signatures stamped, and keys acquired. We now have an apartment - move in day = this Saturday. Pictures to come.
May 3rd, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Hope you enjoyed the move, by now it should be done. How was the holidays there? Relaxing for most? An interesting question to be asked, what is the normal family size in Japan nowadays? Ayako may answer this. Cya Bro and Sis.
May 6th, 2009 at 4:49 am
Howdy =)
Holidays were great - fun time spending with Ayako’s parents and brother. We saw a lot of really neat places (old temples, a volcano, castle).
Average family size is 4. The birth rate here is 1.3 - which is one of the lowest in the world =(
The growth rate is -0.191% (2009 est.), so Japan’ population is expected to decline to under 100 million over the next few decades (currently about 125 million)