I want to take the opportunity to belatedly wish everyone a happy year of the OX.

It has been an interesting week out here in Beijing. The firework ban was lifted for the week, causing fireworks stands to appear on every corner like it's the 4th of July.

I enjoyed the beginning of the New Year Holiday by making and eating piles of dumplings with my host family. We relaxed, watched TV, and then prepared to watch the fireworks from our 10th floor apartment.

Even coming from the USA and enjoying the 4th of July, I have to say nothing can really prepare you for the size and scale of fireworks at the beginning of the New Year. Even from my limited vantage point, the display was simply incredible. A combination of professional, and amateur fire work artists all seemed determined to put on a show from every street corner of the city, lasting until around 2am

Other students went downtown to the Grand Hyatt to enjoy the view from Bar China, located on the 65th floor of the hotel. They shot a video of the skyline from one of the windows...it seemed almost as if every street in Beijing was flashing with red, green, and blue explosions. I will try to upload it later.

After that unforgettable first night, Beijing has since seemed like a war zone, with minor aftershocks of fireworks continuing throughout the week.. Unfortunately I caught a terrible cold after the New Year, so I've been forced to spend much of my vacation hiding in an apartment recovering.

I did manage to make it to another Chinese spring festival institution, the Temple Fair. Basically it's the Chinese equivalent of a carnival, with exciting games, performers, and colorful decorations. The atmosphere is festive and happy, making a visit to at least one fair (there are several throughout the city) a must, especially if you have family or loved ones with you. 新年快乐!