Today is the start of Chinese New Year! Back when we were living in Beijing, Emma and I rang in the year of the rat with style! It was a little bit scary as there were fireworks going off everywhere... and not all of them were pointed for the sky!
I was especially nervous... Emma and I were about to embark on our journey around South East Asia and I didn't want to risk being injured!
I don't think hiding behind the Diet Coke bottle made me safer from all the fireworks (but it was worth a try!)...
Just a small sample of what was in store for the night.
The next day we went to the temple fair. It was really crowded but so cool to see! There were food and merchandise booths, red lanterns everywhere, and some interesting entertainment options (remember the singing?).
So much fun! I am going to learn how to make jiaozi and then next year we can celebrate here with sparklers, mahjong, and red decorations!
Hi Emma!
Well things have gotten colder on this side of the world, but still no sign of snow. Do you remember what we were doing about this time when we lived in Beijing? We went to Harbin to the Ice-Lantern Festival!
The train ride up to Harbin was soooo cold! Once we got there it was even colder... eyelashes froze, mobiles and cameras died, we had to wear layer upon layer of clothing whenever we ventured from the comfort of the hotel...
There was a really pretty cathedral there as well...St. Sofia's.
You wore that scary balaclava the whole time... well some of the time...
Other highlights included Stalin Park, the Russian Ice Bar, and Siberian Tiger Park!
That was such a fun trip! I'm sure you are having just as much fun wherever you are now... though I bet you are enjoying the weather much more! Miss you!
Yours with love-Anna
Dear E,
I am so sorry that I missed your call on Christmas Eve! I hope Nepal is great!
Do you remember when we spent Christmas together in 2007?
When you were in Oz in November you got us those matching outfits...
Even though we we were both miles away from our families we managed to make it a special event.
Can't wait til next Christmas when you are here having Christmas! Miss you!
Yours with love-A
