February 14, 2004
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Happy Valentine’s Day
Happy Valentine’s Day! One thing we’ve noticed about being in America is that people celebrate their ”special occasions” very seriously here. Like Halloween, Valentine’s Day is a big deal for Americans. It seems almost obligatory to DO SOMETHING on Valentine’s Day regardless of whether you are having a new fling or have been contentedly-married for over ten years.
Which makes us feel like we should be doing something special together…
Back in Australia, V-Day is recognized, but is more of a low-key, novelty event. It’s meant to be fun, not something you sweat over. In contrast, we are seeing love-heart decorations and advertising in every LA store and restaurant. One is bombarded with display piles of pink romance-themed candy as soon as you walk into any supermarket. Stalls/tents with roses for sale have sprouted up on street corners and in gas stations.
And couples have to act fast this time of year. All the good restaurants are booked out on Valentine’s Night. Forget going out to dinner with a bunch of friends or waiting till the last minute….
So what are we doing on
Day? We’re going to escape. On Sunday (when the hotel room rates drop back down, and the hype is over) Eddie is driving us out to Las Vegas. We are going to hang out for a night … then on Monday (‘President’s Day’) we are visiting the Grand Canyon for the very first time. Back to LA on Tuesday. Nevada, Arizona… in two days. This will be very interesting…
(Left) My Valentine’s Day present to Eddie is a Hecho en Mexico tortoise with cute wobbly head.
