Goodbye Dragon, Hello Snake

2013 still brings firsts for me in Shanghai, such as my first Chinese New Year in China.  Although I have been in China for over a year now, I had yet to ring in the lunar New Year here.  The date of this changes every year according to the lunar calendar, and was celebrated at the end of January last year, prior to my arrival.  Having celebrated the Vietnamese equivalent, Tet, during 2011, I was interested to see how Chinese celebrations differ.  I’d been told it’s an amazing time to be in Shanghai, despite the abundance of fireworks at all hours of the day and night throughout the festivities, so I decided to stay in the city, rather than venturing further afield.

As previously mentioned (see ‘Expat Festive Season’ post – Wednesday, 2 January 2013), Chinese New Year is the big holiday in these parts, when National holidays and time off are a given.  As such I could look forward to a week off work and time to relax, socialise and move to my new apartment.  I’ve never been busier – sightseeing, catching up with friends and many more things to boot.

Lunar New Year’s Eve brought with it, as you would imagine, vast numbers of fireworks.  Opting to avoid the crowds congregating at The Bund for the firework and light show, my apartment on the 25th floor, provided spectacular views of the colourful explosions all around the area, whilst also keeping us snug as bugs in rugs.

 

During the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, I was surprised to hear yet more fireworks and bangers, continuously throughout the day & night. I’d been burning the candle at both ends a little and was keen to get an early night while the social scene had quietened a tad, but tonight’s celebrations from my Chinese neighbours were certainly not going to permit that. Having jabbed in some earplugs, completely in vain, I had a mediocre night’s sleep to say the least, only to be woken by the sound of yet more bangers & fireworks. The reason for all this – welcoming the good old God of Fortune, of course! Apparently during these 24 hours, you set off as many fireworks as possible – the louder the bang, the wealthier you will be in the coming year.

Anyhow, I had a great week: fabulous fun in wonderful company and many memories made – the only major downside: none of the street food vendors were working so I had to go without tasty cheap eats for a week!
 

 

Happy Chinese New Year! 新年快乐! Chúc mừng năm mới!

A xx

Expat festive season

Working in the EFL world in an Asian country means it is little surprise that we get only a few days off work to enjoy the festive period.  Unsurprisingly, Chinese New Year is the big holiday in these parts, when National holidays and time off are a given.

 

In Vietnam I celebrated Christmas in a swanky Saigon hotel, sharing a beautiful buffet with friends, before sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar overlooking the city.  This year could not have been more different, but equally enjoyable.  Friends of mine kindly invited approximately 20 of us to spend Christmas Day at their apartment.  Bringing food, drinks and Secret Santa gifts, this would be as traditional as any expat Christmas could be.  A very expensive turkey dinner was prepared and devoured before the fruit cake was consumed and alcohol started to flow.  It was a thoroughly enjoyable gathering which made us all feel very thankful to have such great friends around us whilst being so far from home.

 

New Year’s Eve was again cause for celebration, good company and merriment.  Living in a busy, densely populated city means you’re always surrounded by people.  This is something I quickly got used to in Vietnam, to the point when returning to the UK I felt distinctly ‘lonely’ in sparsely populated British public spaces.  On New Year’s Eve, however, I had my first experience of feeling like I was in a crowd.  The Bund was packed; everyone having the same idea – get to the waterfront to see the firework show at midnight.  It brought back memories of many an afternoon spent walking up Utting Avenue in Liverpool towards Anfield stadium.  You don’t consciously walk per say, you more ‘float’ on a wave of the movement around you.  After watching the fireworks we retreated to a nearby bar to continue the celebrations in expat style.

 

Thumbs up for festivities in Shangers – a mix of traditional and alternative, which suits me just fine.

A xx