Chinese New Year!

Hello all!

Today is the second day of the new Chinese year, year of the Tiger. I haven't updated you on my travels lately, so let me break some stuff down for you.
- I've been to the following islands: Lantau and Lamma (also Hong Kong island, but that shouldn't count)
- I purchased a new camera, the Canon SD780, an awesome camera, which shoots video in HD, so hopefully I can post some videos soon.
- Speaking of media, I've also created a picsa page, so you can see some of the photos I've taken so far, right now: just Xian but I plan on expanding that once I get back.
- I've been through 2 weeks of classes including Mandarin, Economic Development of China, SE Asia in the World Political Economy, and Money & Banking
- I am currently on a week long break, the Lunar New Year Break.

Now many of you are wondering how I'm spending such an awesome break in an awesome part of the world. Let me tell you how-- awesomely. I'm going to be spending a week in Cebu, Philippines (Moalboal). Know what it is? I really don't either. All I know is that I got a sweet deal to stay here (about $15 USD a night) and it looks like this.

In actuality, after booking, I immediately began my research and found out that it is a diving area, with lots of quiet bars and a beautiful beach. It also has highs in the mid 80's and could rain 2 nights, but will probably be clear.

I also won't have any internet while I'm here, so I won't be able to update my blog while there, not that I'll have any time anyways. This time, however, I will take lots of pictures for you to look at.

Well, Chinese New Year has a lot in common with Valentines day:
- It is on the same day (at least this year)
- It means a lot more to have your significant others with you. In China's case, that means your family- it's a family oriented holiday, like Thanksgiving is to the US.
- You give gifts in red packages
- That may be about it, but three things is more than others.

For China, and other countries in the region, it is a huge deal-- I was even invited back to someone's home for the New Year. I had to decline because of prior travel plans (see awesomeness in the Philippines). Everyone works towards bringing something back for the holidays, and I even think that factories shut down. That way the seasonal workers can go home to their families. I'm not making this up either.

Other traditions, particularly in Hong Kong, are a parade, which wasn't great, fireworks, which I'm going to see now, and horse races, football (soccer) matches and a couple of other events, which I'll miss because I'll be in the Philippines.

The parade did feature some really cool floats and the Denver Broncos cheerleaders, but I couldn't see over the massive crowd to see the awesomeness (at points). Did I mention that it was crowded? Well, like the rest of Hong Kong, it was.

Well, look forward to the next post being about sunny Philippines, where the temperature will be a warm 85 degrees Fahrenheit, instead of the current temperature of 53 degrees in Hong Kong, or even the 20 degrees back in St. Louis. Enjoy it guys!

Until next time,

-Nick

Update: The fireworks were pretty incredible. They took place between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island (the two biggest population centers) While the streets were packed and some buildings obstructed the view, I was able to get some impressive views of the fireworks. They went off in sync and looked great. Kinda reminded me of being back at home for 4th of July...