2009 The Year of the Ox

2009 The Year of the Ox

Many people ask us what the Chinese New Year Holiday is like here in Shanghai, and in trying to describe it, I realize that no description could ever do it justice. I suppose it would be much like trying to describe Christmas to someone who has never experienced it, and yet each person's/family's experience throughout this vast country is different. Our impressions, as outsiders, center on the unique foods, the deafening fireworks, the massive numbers of people trying to travel home to see their families and the decorative celebrations. As our Ayi would tell you, "It's like the Chinese Christmas".

Tony's mom, Sylvia, was able to experience the holiday with us this year. Like us she will probably not be so impressed with any Fourth of July firework displays anymore back in the USA. As her time here to explore was short, she and I braved a trip to YuYuan Gardens - a touristy old part of Shanghai that serves as a kind of center for some of the CNY celebrations. Imagine a sort of Macy's Parade with all of the floats in the water surrounding you as you walk through a path and you will be orientated for the pictures posted here.
I managed to get a picture of Sylvia here with the decorations in the background. A few seconds before, and afterward as well, little old Chinese ladies were pushing her out of the way so that they could get their picture taken in this same pose as well!

After making our way through the sea of people to see the decorations, we made our way into what we fondly call the "Junk Market". Sylvia and I had a great time discovering heaping piles of everything you could ever want, or not want, from a "Chinese Dollar Store", so to speak! Here she is in a stuffed animal store.
I would have picked up some hair accessories for Ava, but I got overwhelmed with all of the choices and wound up walking out empty handed (remember this is the view of only two of the walls)!
It was sad to send Sylvia on the plane back to the U.S. and we hope that she can come back and stay in Grandma's bedroom again some time. We all miss you Grandma.

Until next time...

If you see this guy, tell him his wife wants him to come home.