Hugs 'N' Roses - St. Valentines

Valentines Day was a fun affair this year. The entire city was decorated and was aimed at making even the gloomiest person happy.

We went to check out some shops and the ambiance in the city center and were not disappointed with the decor or the mood. Its great to see that its not the young or the youth that celebrate St.Valentines here but the middle aged and the old enter into the festive spirit with gusto. We regularly see middle aged couples (40- 60) walking hand in hand on the streets here and on St. Valentine this hand in hand walking was accompanied by red roses and beaming faces. Such happiness and contentment can surely bring a smile to anyone's face. The youngsters were well wrapped around each other and beaming all the way too. Overall the smiles were contagious!

Another interesting feature was the "Free Hugs" posters. Its not uncommon to see these things all over the place during all festivals or carnivals - but on St. Valentines I spotted gangs of pretty women and groups of handsome hunks with these posters all over the place. It was fascinating to watch the giggles and some bold approaches and some shy applicants for the free hugs. It was a neat affair and that's why the gang to protect each other! As a passer by I was thoroughly amused with the whole thing as its a totally new concept for me. Hubs was quite flustered and I did enjoy teasing him a little.

Chivalry was all over the place too. People giving out free roses and showering extra courtesies by holding the door for the ladies extra wide was pleasant to watch. We went to a movie and the gentleman right in front of us held the door for me - with a great big smile and with a rose in his hand he welcomed us into the theater. It took us a moment to realise that he was trying to be extra chivalrous and funny at the same time. He must have been well over 60 and he smiled and wished both of us a great Valentines day! That was a real highlight to my day.

Hope to see many more lovely days like this!