I thought I have all worked it out, but not the first time I got it wrong. Chinese New Year is a main holiday not only in China but also in much of South East Asia. Thailand is no different and boast of one of the largest Chinese community.
On the eve of a New Year (10th February this year) families gather for so-called Reunion Dinner, kind of Polish Xmas Eve dinner. At least so I thought... Yaowarat, main Bangkok's Chinatown artery was supposed to be deserted... To my surpirse I have not seen so many people in one place since the pope (previous one obviously) was last time in Poland. All temples, street food stalls were completely overrun. Based on quick analysis, I concluded that maybe they finished eating earlier and now went out for traditional 'bainian', visiting of friends and family. So as I finally understood what's going on I was expecting typical New Year celebrations. Firecrackers could be heard from far. But then again I was told that fireworks are only for 31st Dec and this time there would be very few. I did not give up. Seeing all this people around something will happen. It will but as I was told again it would be only the next day... I guess all this other people made the same mistake as me. But they'll come to Yaowarat tomorrow when I'll be on my way to Myanmar.
Dissapointed I sat down to enjoy some Chinese theatre. New Year character was fighting Old Year and all other evils - at least so I was told. Luckily enough the New Year has won...
Happy New Year of the Snake to all of you! 'Keong Hee Huat Chye' (in Hokkien), congratulations and be prosperous!
On the eve of a New Year (10th February this year) families gather for so-called Reunion Dinner, kind of Polish Xmas Eve dinner. At least so I thought... Yaowarat, main Bangkok's Chinatown artery was supposed to be deserted... To my surpirse I have not seen so many people in one place since the pope (previous one obviously) was last time in Poland. All temples, street food stalls were completely overrun. Based on quick analysis, I concluded that maybe they finished eating earlier and now went out for traditional 'bainian', visiting of friends and family. So as I finally understood what's going on I was expecting typical New Year celebrations. Firecrackers could be heard from far. But then again I was told that fireworks are only for 31st Dec and this time there would be very few. I did not give up. Seeing all this people around something will happen. It will but as I was told again it would be only the next day... I guess all this other people made the same mistake as me. But they'll come to Yaowarat tomorrow when I'll be on my way to Myanmar.
Dissapointed I sat down to enjoy some Chinese theatre. New Year character was fighting Old Year and all other evils - at least so I was told. Luckily enough the New Year has won...
Happy New Year of the Snake to all of you! 'Keong Hee Huat Chye' (in Hokkien), congratulations and be prosperous!
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