J+171 The most amazing experience : Chinese New Year

Today, was an incredible day!

Chinese New Year's Day!

My parents had warned me this would be the most special day I spend in China. Gosh they were right.

They told me they wanted me to be at the restaurant, at 5pm to help out; I gladly accepted!

I had made plans with a friend, to go hiking for 2 hours in the morning, climb a mountain. We both woke up at 7am; phoned each other... 冷死了！！ TOO COLD! 不可能！impossible !  We gave up that ambitious plan... And snuggled under our 被子 (quilt). My family woke up at about 9am. My father and I hung up the red posters outside the door, tradition I have already mentioned.

 

We slowly made our way to the restaurant where we had a late breakfast .. 11am.

Nanjing was just like a gost town.. ALL the shops closed; nobody in the streets!

 

Calm... Too calm... Emptiness ..

My sister invited me for coffee in the afternoon.

 

We then started the service, as waitresses (服务员).

We both opened the door for each customer , greeting them "欢迎光临! 新年快乐!" (Welcome! Happy new year!)

Most of them replied with "啊呀! 老外在干嘛？不回家吗？！＂

Oh my God! What is "the foreigner" up to?! How come she doesn't celebrate in her hometown?"

 

Yes most Chinese people believe everybody celebrates new year in February.

My sister and I worked for about 3 hours, helping old and disabled people up the steps, (this is the only day people really ought to gather their ENTIRE family, including handicapped old grandparents.

My father lit some firecrackers each time a new customer came. There were about 150 people having their dinner at our restaurant.

 

 

Customers started leaving, that's when our diner began.

All the 汤 family and the restaurant staff gathered, women at one table, men at another . I asked the reason; > men 喝酒 （drink alcohol and smoke) ; women don't.

My father gave a speech, wishing good income next year, and professional success to everybody.

My father and mother gave each member of staff their "red pocket", with a different amount of cash inside depending on how well they have worked in 2012. I helped my parents fill in the pockets yesterday, the amounts go from 100¥ to 4000¥

Most Chinese people spend the new year evening watching the official ceremony, with country singers, and shows. But we went home, and waited for the fireworks!

At 12:00 , the sky turned into fire! Sizzling EVERYWHERE ! This lasted an hour at least!

 

It's not easy to describe what it feels like .. To feel CHINA SHAKING!

I am speechless.

2:30 am, in my bedroom... The fireworks are still blowing!