 |
|
Courtesy of the US Embassy, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
|
CONG XI FA CAI
I would like to wish all of my Chinese
friends in Malaysia and back home in the US a very happy, healthy and
prosperous Year of Snake. Last night I enjoyed a reunion dinner with
my Chinese family here in Penang. As usual it was a wonderful meal, the
traditional Steamboat, which we call a Mongolian Hotpot back home. And as usual
I ate too much, but after all it is only once a year. Returning back home it
was nice to see all of the red lights and decorations adorning
people's homes in condos or single family homes. A little later in
the evening the sound of firecrackers became almost deafening. From my balcony
we could see a myriad of colorful fireworks displays. The noise and fireworks
will continue for at least a week, if not two. And the eating will continue for
a few more days too.
The celebrations are reminiscent of our Christmas, New Year and July Fourth rolled into one. If you have never witnessed a Chinese New Year celebration in Asia, You should really make an effort to do so. If you are celebrating please drive home carefully.
Always a great time of year, I love CNY. Amazes me how many just how many here seem to view it merely as spectators, rather that participate. I suppose it depends on how effectively people manage to integrate here.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pick of Penang. I agree with you, that there is a vast difference between just watching Chinese New Year celebrations and taking part in them with the locals.
ReplyDeleteHi Steve. Happy New Year! Glad you're enjoying the many cultural events in Penang and rubbing elbows with the locals. I look forward to doing the same one day. In fact, I was doing some more research on the area this weekend. Seems many expats find renting a much better option than buying in Malaysia. I'd love to get your thoughts on that and other logistical matters, but that's what beer is for. My plan is to spend two months in SE Asia at the end of the year visiting friends and scouting our retirement oases. Hope we can meet up then.
ReplyDeleteYour advice about signing up anew for your Retired in Malaysia blog worked. The very next day this post came through. It's an even better format now as the email contains the post itself rather than simply informing me that you posted on a topic and requiring me to go to the blog site to read it. Far more convenient this way. Just thought you'd like to know how your words are received halfway around the world. Oh, and that they're appreciated too! Thanks again.
Thanks Michael for your comments. Yes more expats now are renting instead of buying, as the prices of condos and homes in Penang continue to rise.ou If you prefer living in the rural areas the prices of homes are a fraction of what they are in Penang and KL. I'm glad you are now getting your updates. I will wait for the beers to fill you in on other things, haha.
ReplyDelete