Explosion

Back In China - 20 minutes from landing to being in the car. Amazing contrast to other parts of the world.
The week has built up in excitement as Chinese New Year approached.
We had to work Sunday - an official work day so the population can get a whole week off for Chinese New Year. We also have to work Saturday the 12th.
The office was decorated and the numbers present dwindled as people took annual leave to head off to their relatives in different parts of China. Everyone was excited by the holiday and looking forward to the traditional meals and celebrations.
Even the weather has picked up - today was bright and sunny and around 12C. The weekend will be 17C. Shirt sleeve golf.
This Lunar year is the year of the Rabbit. So if you are a Rabbit the year is meant to be lucky for you. I received a text from a colleague who is expecting a child this year and he is delighted as his wife is also a Rabbit. Very special meaning here. The long history and tradition surrounding the celebrations have proved fascinating as I have tried to understand why this is done and that is done.
The lady who cleans once a week for me was delighted with the Hongbao she received and the driver also with his gift. Apparently bosses have to do this for their servants. I had to make sure the gift had an 8 or 6 in it, but not a 4.
I bought some decorations for the house - and luckily picked up one with two fish in it. The sign of the two fish has something to do with bringing plentiful food for the coming year. At the new years eve lunch they serve fish which no-one eats, they show it and then throw it away - in order to ensure they stay fed for the year.
In the supermarket I picked up what I thought was a wind chime type decoration, all sparkly. When moving it to put the milk in the trolley I realised it was a chain of fire crackers. About 50 of them. I put them back, noticing they were about $3 for the lot!

Last night was New years eve. Left the office for home after dark and the fireworks had started - and went on for the next 5 and half hours, it was like New years eve at home but longer. Fun to watch but tiresome after a while.

Earlier this week there was a note in the press where one of the China TV channels had used a clip out of top gun when reporting new Chinese aviation tests. at 23.50 last night I thought they were re-enacting the opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan. for 50 minutes Shanghai exploded. The skyline lit up - and the boom began. Shock and Awe. It is something to be witnessed.

Fortunately it calmed down about 1am, and I went to sleep. when I awoke this morning there were and still are the odd firework going off.

I walked round today in beautiful sunshine, and trampled through the remains - everywhere, boxes and boxes of those light the edge multifire versions. They were about 5x the size of those in the UK. There were rocket sticks, charred roads, and red paper everywhere. Being china there were teams of people cleaning up.

I guess the inventors of fireworks ought to be able to put on a show.

I also opened the windows to let the old spirits out today and wore some new clothes.

few days off work - I was going to watch We Were Soldiers - bit tame now.

Gong Xi Fa Cai

PS I am a Dragon - and its my year next year.