I always enjoy learning about various international celebrations that we don’t recognize in the United States. It is one of my favorite aspects of conducting international business. However, on the flip side, it can be an equally frustrating aspect when I learn of these holidays while I am home and on a deadline! This has happened to me a few times — I am waiting for answers from overseas, maybe Japan or Korea, when I find out that the offices will be shut down for a day or a week. All of a sudden, I am left in a bind. Well, fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me! I was in Seoul two years ago for Buddha’s birthday and Children’s Day. Luckily, they fell on weekends, so no business was lost. It was a ball to see this society in a different way. The streets were lined with amusements. On Children’s Day, mothers and daughters of all ages were arm in arm, fathers and sons were in the park, and families were together having fun. Today, May 5, is Children’s Day in Korea! While coordinating with my colleague in Seoul last week, both of us remembered that these holidays were coming up. Thanks to careful planning, thought and due diligence, we were able to get our work done ahead of time. Now my colleague can enjoy the holiday! -Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher