The Weekend that Isn’t
Next Wednesday is a public holiday. Apparently it was introduced or reintroduced, can’t remember which, a couple of years ago to ensure people retained connection with their culture. The skeptical would say that it also facilitates that other cultural institution, commerce.
Not only is Wednesday a day off work, but also Monday and Tuesday. In order to be eligible for this bounty there is a requirement to work Saturday and Sunday, so no weekend this week. This sort of thing happens with public holidays several times each year, but most of them have occurred when I’ve been out of the country. Fortunately, I have just finished some of my classes so I only have one class on Saturday.
One of my students told me of the need to work the weekend a couple of days ago so I had no opportunity to preempt any travel arrangements. I knew to anticipate and plan classes around a day off on Wednesday, but I’d forgotten that I had to work the corresponding weekend last year.
The trains will be busy and I have no desire to endure the additional crowding which will be a feature of them so I will be staying put. I have a few ideas of how to spend the time and am awaiting further information.
I’ll write about the meaning of the holiday and provide a photo next week.