I think everyone loves Chinese New Year.. On top of the 2 extra day-offs from work and studying and getting all the ang baos, its really about this "hype" and "excitement" that the new year brings.
Suddenly, everything stops. You call offices, and they tell you people will be OFF during CNY, factories close for 7 days or more etc, mass shopping for clothes, and red colored things hanging almost everywhere (at shop-houses, at buildings, at your own home etc). Its really about this community feel and mass participation that gives me the kick.
I love it when i walk on the streets and every shop is closed during daytime. On CNY eve, everyone just closes shop and goes home for dinner at 5pm. I love that.
Annually, this situation makes everyone go home. Finally, there is nothing outside for you to do. All the kids have to go home, no point meeting friends cos most shopping centers/restaurants are closed. Everyone is "forced" to annually spend some time with family. And at this moment, the New Year Celebrations is bigger than everything else. Your boss gives you time to go off, your boss wont call you, people talking politely and less car horns on the roads etc. Its really a special time when everyone suddenly shows respect and acknowledges everyone else's presence.
I spent.... 4 full-days with my family. Add CNY eve, 4.5 days. This is probably the first real "family time" in YEARS. The longest stretch I've been at home with family for the past 5 to 6 years? :( i feel ashamed.
Sigh, sometimes i do not know why we're always running around. I think maybe many people already gave up on me. Friends, loved ones, family members etc.
CNY is Over now. But i really enjoyed every moment. Too short a break for me.
Oh yes, why are the CJ-7 pictures up there when I'm rattling about other stuff ya? Becosss... I watched it with my family on...err..... Saturday..
:)
Suddenly, everything stops. You call offices, and they tell you people will be OFF during CNY, factories close for 7 days or more etc, mass shopping for clothes, and red colored things hanging almost everywhere (at shop-houses, at buildings, at your own home etc). Its really about this community feel and mass participation that gives me the kick.
I love it when i walk on the streets and every shop is closed during daytime. On CNY eve, everyone just closes shop and goes home for dinner at 5pm. I love that.
Annually, this situation makes everyone go home. Finally, there is nothing outside for you to do. All the kids have to go home, no point meeting friends cos most shopping centers/restaurants are closed. Everyone is "forced" to annually spend some time with family. And at this moment, the New Year Celebrations is bigger than everything else. Your boss gives you time to go off, your boss wont call you, people talking politely and less car horns on the roads etc. Its really a special time when everyone suddenly shows respect and acknowledges everyone else's presence.
I spent.... 4 full-days with my family. Add CNY eve, 4.5 days. This is probably the first real "family time" in YEARS. The longest stretch I've been at home with family for the past 5 to 6 years? :( i feel ashamed.
Sigh, sometimes i do not know why we're always running around. I think maybe many people already gave up on me. Friends, loved ones, family members etc.
CNY is Over now. But i really enjoyed every moment. Too short a break for me.
Oh yes, why are the CJ-7 pictures up there when I'm rattling about other stuff ya? Becosss... I watched it with my family on...err..... Saturday..
:)
