20050501

10:55 Yep, It’s May already. I guess some of you were a bit surprised with last month’s “pink craze”, but I made damn sure you got the meaning of it. This month, those of you who have never been to Japan will probably wonder: “Ok, what’s with the flying fish!?!?” On May 5^th, the Japanese celebrate “Kodomo no hi”, (i.e. Children’s Day - click here for another definition). This holiday used to be called “Boy’s Day”, and the carp symbolized strength and perseverance, as it swims up even waterfalls. Those qualities being desirable in boys (hey, hey, hey, I didn’t make the culture, I only work here! All you girls with a feminist side, keep your panties on!), the Japanese used the carp as a symbol for that holiday. The tradition was kept even when the name of the holiday was changed, and during the month of May, you can see “koi no bori” (i.e. carp streamers) hung on polls, flying in the wind everywhere. I know, I know, the definitions I gave you say the Japanese use them only on May 5^th, but in reality, they are used from the end of April until late May. Hey, those babies cost anything between $100 CAD and $1000CAD, so if I were Japanese, I’d use them for more than a day too!!! As for me, they symbolize spring, since they are associated with warmer temperatures. Enjoy the “Flying Carps”.

A typical display of carp streamers. The caption says:

“Swimming carp streamers in the May sky”.

I’m starting to get quite a few pictures of, ahem, unusual food by NON-JAPANESE STANDARDS. I’m too busy now, but when the term’s over I’m gonna make a “Food Page” with all the pictures I put in my blog. Anyway, here is one more item:

How about some soft ice cream? We have all your favorite flavors: Strawberry, green tea, and black sesame...

GREAT NEWS: My best friend Patrice and his girlfriend Sylvie had a beautiful baby girl called Chloé! Congratulations, dudes!

The new baby girl, Chloé.

The whole family: Patrice, Sylvie, Bianca and Chloé.

Nos sincères félicitations à vous deux pour la belle petite Chloé. Sylvie, repose toi bien si tu peux, et Patrice si tu fais de l’insomnie on peux toujours chatter.

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? KNOCK YOURSELF OUT!