More China!

Red. Red clothing, red cows, red lanterns. Looking around the crowded street, it was clear a holiday was near. The Chinese New Year was just weeks away and the festive feeling was all around. Over here the whole month of January is a holiday. Starting with days off as January begins, people are barely back to work mode when the second celebration arrives.

The year of the cow is seen in posters, balloons, cards, stuffed animals, candy....the list goes on and on. Imprinted in my mind, I will not forget the animal of 2009. Going to the grocery store, even they have gotten in the mood . Handing them your receipt at the exit, red cow envelopes are given in return. That is the common gift here, giving money to friends in red envelops instead of gifts. Influenced by commercialized products, I found myself adoring the cows and with a little bargaining I soon had a small token.

Voices calling out around me, I keep walking down the cracked road in search of the gardens. Chickens live to my left with feet tied. (Well all except one who was being plucked. He must have just taken his last breath a few minutes ago). Up ahead is a blue bin of turtles and another of ducks. The air is mixed with the smell of fish, oil and an unfamiliar scent. Square cooking grills with squid, eggplant, mushrooms, rice, tomatoes and a plethora of other food surrounds me as I turn the corner. Opps! I guess I picked the wrong street. But being intrigued I kept walking down the road full of food.

The buildings change as the road becomes more ethnically diverse. Wooden and tall with a clear oriental design. Immersed suddenly in English, French and maybe Dutch I was no longer the only foreigner. Following the crowds directions while ignoring the determined shouts from the vendors, I soon found myself in the famous gardens.