Sunday, February 01, 2009

Gung How Fat Choy

So I just learned by googling "How to say Happy New Year in Chinese" that there are many versions -- " in mandarin, it's Gong Xi Fa Cai, which literally means, "congratulations, may you be prosperous". That has a nice ring to it!

So in an attempt to celebrate the Chinese culture we had a Chinese New Year Celebration with our family at home. The kids and I decorated the entrance of the house with beautiful Chinese lanterns. Then we dressed in Chinese clothing and ate Chinese Take-Out with our friends and family. Next year I should be more prepared and elaborate by reading up on Chinese traditions.

Yesterday we tried to extend the celebration with a trip to San Francisco's Chinatown. Though the New Year's parade is next weekend we went to check out the scene and buy some interesting Chinese sweet treats. The kids always love tucking in and out of the stores looking at, touching and tasting new things.

I remember a few months ago I was with Caleb and Chloe at Fishermans wharf and asked the kids if they wanted to go to Chinatown. They jumped up and dowm yelling, We love Chinatown! We love Chinatown." Then my son Caleb turned to Chloe and said, "Yeah Chloe lets go to Chinatown...that's where you were born!!