Happy New Year!

Chinese New Year is the biggest holiday in the Chinese calendar, as well as the time of year that provides people with the most time off. It is traditionally a time to reunite with family, and share wishes for prosperity in the coming year. Red and gold are everywhere. On New Year's eve I went down to the park to take in the lights and fireworks. - And though the picture doesn't do it justice, it was really amazing.

A few days later I was invited to spend a traditional New Year celebration with a Chinese family here in Singapore. As it turns out, a former Laurier student and friend-of-a-friend is a native of Singapore, and upon hearing of my arrival in the country, immediately invited me over to her grandma's to celebrate the New Year! It was a really great time, and I learned a lot. The family was so kind and generous and welcoming, it was an experience I will remember forever. And the food was so good I was full for days!