Now let me get this straight. I know of Chinese New Year - "Gung Hei Fat Choi" - and I understand it's a big deal in the Chinese community, but what I am confused by are some of the customs:
First of all it's the end of January. Now I know why a lot of my Chinese friends show up to events tardy. As responsible friends we should explain that the dinner starts at Gregorian 7pm not at Chinese New Year (CNY) 7pm.
Secondly, I believe the actual New Year was earlier this week. How many days does this celebration last? Admittedly I like a extended party, but judging from the tired eyes and 'just kill me now' appearance of the restaurant staff, one, maybe two, days would suffice.
Speaking of that, it seems that all asian restaurants try to reap the rewards of CNY. The restaurant we went to was called Limmy's Malaysian Cuisine. Staffed by some lovely Malaysians, Philipinnos and one caucasian lady who stuck out like a sore thumb (she kept giving me a look all night like we were in on some practical joke together). Come on my asian friends, gone are the days where ignorant people claimed they couldn't tell you apart. Stop reinforcing the stereotype. (the food was delicious though)
And what's with the red packets that you give us to feed to the dragon dancers? We're supposed to put money in the packet, feed the dragon, and it gives luck. The more money, the more luck. Seems like a scam to me. There used to be a homeless guy camped out in front of the 7-11 in Vancouver, Canada who used to try the same thing.
But like the lottery, which gives terrible odds and anyone with a brain for economics would tell you it's a bad investment, I decided to take my chances and placed the packet in the greedy dragon's mouth. God knows I could use the luck lately.
The firecracker. Wayyyy better than the plunging Times Square ball. And far more dangerous. I was hit multiple times in the face with shrapnel, kids were screaming, men were ducking in fear. I no longer have to wonder about the horrors of war. I experienced my own personal Apocalypse Now.
Finally, to the owner of the restaurant. Perhaps you shouldn't be offering marriage advice. "If you're unhappy with your wife just trade her in". The only way I will buy into that train of thought is if I get a major upgrade. Because my last wife was the bomb and had more bang than a Chinese New Year firecracker.
Happy New Year friends, may you have the luck of the dragon.
Jimmy
LOVE IT! Well, my Grade 6's - 8 of them this year celebrate Chinese New Year and according to them this is their BIG holiday of the year. My own kids started receiving the red envelopes in nursery school, often with candy or money inside as gifts. This year I learned that one thing they do to celebrate is clean the house. The whole house, from top to bottom to welcome in the New Year and get rid of the old, dirty stuff or something like that. They almost all went out for buffet lunches or supper, too!
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