Valentine's Day

My most hilarious Valentine's Day experience happened inside an All Day's Shop in Netley Abbey, UK.

In the days leading up to my first Valentine's Day spent abroad, I decided to make my way down to the local shop and purchase Valentines cards for my friends and family; I had no idea that British citizens don't share the same enthusiasm as Canadians d0 when it comes to the 14th day of the 2cd month.

I searched the card section first, then the magazines and lastly, made my way to the front counter. The only Valentines day cards I could find were the big, single greeting card type.

'Ummm, excuse me?'

'How may I help you?'

'Do you have boxes of valentine's day cards?'

Blank look.

'You know those boxes you can buy with those little, assorted cards?'

Nothing.

'...that you give out to all your friends in elementary school?'

The people in line behind me seemed as confused as the clerk. 'You mean you need more than one Valentine's Day card?'

'Uh, ummm, yes? Like a pack of 10 or 20?' I could tell that there was something wrong, but I couldn't quite pin-point it. Sheepishly, I exited the shop and walked home.

Later that evening, I discovered that it is absolutely unheard of to had out a Valentine card to anyone other than your true love or perhaps a secret crush. Ahhhhhhh, so that's why everyone in All Days was giving me such funny looks. No, I did not have a list of ten to twenty guys to whom I wanted to share my love.

There are so many things to learn in this world; so many different cultures, different ideas! Well, at least one thing is shared between the UK and Canada - (and even Thailand) : Valentines Day involves chocolate, flowers, hearts and romance....speaking of which, my Valentine is on his way home - gotta run!