holidays – Susan Spann, Adventure, Mystery, and Mountains

A Holiday Tea With Snow White at the Hotel Intercontinental Tokyo Bay

Susan Spann Blog December 8, 2021December 8, 2021Christmas, Christmas 2021, Christmas Tea, holidays, Hotel Intercontinental Tokyo Bay, Japan, Snow White, themed tea

n late November, when I learned the theme of the 2021 Christmas Tea at the Hotel Intercontinental Tokyo Bay was “Snow White, Awakening With Strawberries” (which is doubly clever, since strawberries are just coming into season–i.e., “awakening”–in Japan), I immediately bought tickets for the very first sitting on the very first day.

Happy Setsubun!

Susan Spann Blog February 2, 2020February 2, 2020holidays, Japan, observances, oni, setsubun, spring

In Japan, February 3 is Setsubun (節分), the day before the first day of spring.

O Tokyo Tree . . .

Susan Spann Blog December 22, 2017December 21, 2017Christmas, Christmas trees, holidays, Japan, lights, Tokyo

Christmas decorations abound in Tokyo at this time of year, and Christmas trees are no exception. It seems every business and professional building, shopping center, and hotel puts up a massive tree display – some real: and some “creative interpretations.”

A Labor (Day) of Love

Susan Spann Blog September 4, 2017November 8, 2017holidays, Labor Day

Today is Labor Day in the United States — a federal holiday (established as such in 1894) commemorating the contributions of working people and the efforts of the labor movement. Most of us celebrate Labor Day with a notable absence of labor–banks and many shops are closed, people have the day off work and school, and it’s the “last hurrah” of summer (although, given the sweltering weather here in Sacramento, I’d say summer isn’t quite ready to throw in the towel). I love Labor Day, because it’s a sign that my favorite season–autumn–is approaching. Soon, summer’s heat will fade to brisk, cold nights