The Year of the Rabbit

Per the events of the week, I thought I would share with you what one might experience when celebrating the New Year in our part of the world.

Purchase fireworks in large quantity, disregarding any prior knowledge of safety or zoning laws. 

While visiting friends, play games in the local park, also disregarding any safety concerns your mother might have.

Drink "surprise" milk tea with students, and be grateful that the "surprise" was a good one. (Smiling optional, peace sign required). 

When visiting the village, oblige your hosts and take a nap as they suggest. It's only polite!

It is also important to play with any and all chunky babies. They may or may not eat money for a snack. This is ok.

Eat your weight in sunflower seeds and milk-flavored candy while trying to figure out the rules of Asian black jack. It's best to decline play, as money is involved, and you haven't the slightest of what's going on.

 

When the 4 foot strand of firecrackers is lit before dinner, try to hide how high you jump, and act like firecrackers to scare away evil spirits is also a normal occurrence at your family events. 

Eat dinner with your host's family, marveling at the thirteen dishes (actually 26, as it was 13 per table) they've prepared representing the 13 lunar months. Be grateful that mamaw got the eyeball from the soup this time, next time it could be you!!

And finally, make sure you watch the Spring Festival Gala. It's only about 6 hours long, but all the big stars are on it - and everyone will be talking about it the next day!


And there you have it my friends - a great week of learning and new experiences! Happy Year of the Rabbit to you!!