Happy Chinese New Year!

Hello you,

So I have  the luck and pleasure to experience what Chinese New Year is all about here Taiwan! Of course there is fireworks involved, lot’s of traditional food, some religious ceremony’s and much more. It’s very much a family thing and usually the whole family comes together from all over the country to celebrate. It is a very important happening in this culture! I was invited for several end of the year party’s. It’s very common for a company to organize such an event. All employees get together for an evening diner and some music or other entertainment. People also give each other red envelops with some money inside as a wish of health and fortune for the coming year. I already received some, lucky me!!

So last night I had dinner with Janice’s family. She is the woman you might have read about in one of my earlier blogs. Her son picked me up and we walked to her apartment a few blocks from here. Her mother had prepared all the food and put in on the table in front of the altar to offer to the ancestors first. After that we could start having dinner. All sorts of food, all good. They do eat some dishes cold which I’m not used to so that is a bit strange sometimes. Also they eat fast! I mean, for me it’s normal, especially with such an important meal, to take your time. But not here, before you realize it the dinner is gone. On the other hand, after dinner they usually drink tea and eat some fruit and cookies for which they take all the time in the world. In this case it was lotus tea (very special) and some jelly-cake-thingy. So we sat down and talked a bit, then I got a bit tired and Janice asked if her son should let me out. The rest of the evening I enjoyed some laying down on the bed listing music and falling asleep eventually, even though the sound of fireworks kept going nonstop.

This morning Stephens aunt picked me up in front of the schools gate to go to a swimming pool, but we couldn’t go because it was closed, instead of that we did a trip to various tourist places around. Visited a place about the political history of Taiwan, a flower market and later an old style street and a very impressive temple. The weather was unexpectedly good so it was a nice day to get around. Witnessed a change of the guards, ate tons of good food and had much fun with Stephens relatives. After all that we went to Stephens grandparent’s house, Stephen and me showed some diabolo tricks shortly and then sat down for dinner.

Almost always people are concerned if I can use chopsticks to eat, but this pictures proves I’m using them! No problemo! After the dinner we went outside, had some tea, fruits and traditional candy’s and enjoyed the fireworks. The kid’s were very happy and energetic, they did some dancing and of course I had to join in sharing some moves. That was fun! Overall a very nice day with very kind people. Now time for sleepy sleepy.

Last pictures, Stephens niece covering hear ears for the fireworks, cute! And the whole family together.

Advertisement