Women’s Day

It is a peculiarity of this country that they take such celebrations quite seriously. Since I’m here, we had Valentine’s Day, Men’s Day and now, today, Woman’s Day.

Everybody knows Valentine’s Day, but maybe not the second one. We, for example, in Hungary, don’t have it (at least, as far as I am concerned). Here it is on the 23^rd of February. It used to be a day of the army, but they rethought the idea by making it the day of the men, whose duty is to protect their beloved ones. After all, that’s what our men do.

But today is Women’s Day. It is a nice thing, but I, personally, appreciate a fresh bundle of oregano or a pot of herb more than a flower.

Here they make a big deal out of it. Yesterday the florists were packed with packs of men. I had a lovely scene in front of me on my way to the university: three or four men came out of a florist and they were comparing and inspecting their bouquets whether they would do it or not. Adorable!

On the university I’ve seen most of the girls standing around with presents/flowers/teddy bears in their hands.

Though surprising it is, I like it. In addition, when such celebrations are coming up, they design and print special posters, which look rather old school for the foreign eye and make you feel like a time traveller.  Then you can find them in shop-windows, on the street, on the blackboard of the dormitory and so on.

We, foreigners, did not really participate in it, just drank some beers together with the Belgian girls and Simon, the German guy.

But this morning, while I was in the kitchen, preparing my breakfast, I got “involved”. The guard took one of his regular visits, checking for unwanted visitors and when he saw me, he wished all the best on this lovely day.

Happy Women’s Day, women! :)