(A park bridge with Spring Festival decorations)

Today is New Year's Eve. Tomorrow begins the Chinese year of the rat. The story I've heard goes like this: The emperor of heaven decided that there should be 12 animals in heaven to rule over the years of earth. To decide which beasts would receive this honor, the emperor held a race. The first 12 to reach heaven would be the winners. Now, the course was long and hard and it was the Ox, with her strength and endurance that approached the gates first. But just as she was about to cross the line, the rat hopped off her back and scurried across first and thereby winning the race. Rats are therefore known for their cunning and intelligence. Tomorrow I turn 24 in the Chinese way of counting, since I was born in 1984. This is a very auspicious year, the double of twelve, the second return of the rat.

The streets are absolutely empty as the city sort of shuts down for these few days. The air is rocked by what sounds like gunfire, bombs, and constant thunderstorms, but is really loads and loads of fireworks. (A tradition to scare away bad spirits that would enter the home in the new year.)

Tonight people will get together with friends and family, eat jiaozi (dumplings) and watch the Spring Festival Gala on CCTV. The performances are amazing. Since it's not a mainstream American holiday, I don't feel too lonely, but I do miss all of you. Thanks for the comments, questions, and encouragement!

新年快乐！