Chinese New Year

Well right now everyone is celebrating Chinese New Year! It has really been fun to see all the fireworks and the dragon dances (sorry, I'm working on getting pictures). But, if you are the type that loud noises make you jump, here is not the place for you. Chinese New Year has been going on since Tuesday (Feb. 8), the eve of the New Year. The celebrations can last for two weeks easily. I have yet to lose my hearing, but there have been some pretty close calls. I do love fireworks, for those who grew with me, you know we had too much fun with them. However, my parents were always making sure that us kids weren't completely endangering our lives. I have never been so close to large scale fireworks, but the zeal of my Chinese neighbors has truly given me a jump here and there. I must say it is really neat to sit in your living room, and have fireworks go off right outside the window - literally. They may as well have landed inside my apartment. It is crazy, but fun - and freeing to be away from the safety-hazard conscious USA sometimes - though it is a little disturbing to see a 5 or 6 year old lighting fireworks in his hand! Gong Si Fa Cai!!