Holi holi holiday

I think we should all take a leaf out of the Russian's book (idiom #3,010) and have more national holidays, ones where everyone actually stays off school and doesn't go to work. It seems that EVERYONE is walking round with flowers and chocolates and feeling in the spirit of things, and there is no sense of commercialism to it, nobody is moaning that it's just a gimmick for card makers and flower sellers to make a profit from, everybody just seems genuinely happy to give and recieve presssies! (I say that but I don't actually know WHAT they are saying - they speak Russian after all).

Is that the most positive thing I've said about Russia so far? Well it had to happen sooner or later (idiom #3.011).

As a foreigner I have been excluded somewhat from the celebrations, no pressies for me, don't feel sad for me; I am expecting something from my 6 year old friend in the flat, and I shall be going to see some traditional Russian dancing tomorrow evening with the other teachers. So, Do Svidanya, happy womens day everyone. What time is it!?