That's a damn good point. ^_^; How is the Muslim calendar for holidays? I know India does particularly well on that front. =:) Though I suppose it's not necessarily how many holidays, but how enthusiastically they're spent - much as with all of life, ne? (Case in point: Spain. The Hispanic way of life seems perfectly in tune with celebrating life at the drop of a hat)

Ah, so your days off are based on the host nation? Makes sense, though it would be rather good of them to accept both the host and visitor's customs. So there's little "osmosis" going on via Western media? That's an aspect of Japan I've always admired - the willingness (no, enthusiasm!) to add new experiences to the gestalt of the culture. Of course, they're hardly unique - Singapore is essentially a manufactured state, and quite a fascinating melding it is, much as its former partner on the peninsula, but even moreso.

Agh, writing all those names reminds me I really need to get back out there.. ah well. If the coming month or two work out well, I might well be able to roam freely. Really hope so - this is an unparalleled opportunity. ^_^

However your plans do work out over the weekend, do try to post, so we can offer appropriate wishes. ^_^

I'm ashamed to say that I know almost nothing about Muslim holidays, despite having been in this part of the world for months. (This has sometimes been a problem - for example, when I failed to roll out of bed early enough to pick up my Azerbaijan visa and said to myself "No problem, I'll just come again tomorrow," not realizing that the next day was Eid al-Adha and the embassy would be closed for nearly a week.) I think the next religious holiday of consequence might be Nawruz, near the vernal equinox - I might not be here that long, but the month-long leadup seems fascinating in itself. I wish I could see Nawruz back in Tajikistan - apparently the biggest attractions there are huge tournaments of buzkashi, which if you're not familiar, is, um. A cultural experience.

I'm a volunteer, so I can take off whatever days I want! Not to mention travel when I want, within reason. It doesn't really feel right, though, to take off extra days around Christmas for no reason... I wouldn't be visiting family or celebrating anything, I'd just be hanging out and not doing what I came here to do. Although perhaps the solution is to make a vacation out of it. Take a trip up to the mountains. Hm. =:)

Have your travels ever brought you to this part of the world? If they do, by all means, come and drop by! =:)