One of the places you shouldn't miss!

CHINATOWN!

So you must be wondering why of all places, TWK recommends you to Chinatown? The reason is simple, take a short walk in Chinatown and you will be able to catch a glimpse of how the early Chinese settlers lived and toiled. You will also easily spot the difference between the buildings: Imagine an old pre-war shop house standing side by side to a renovated one. The sights of the old and renewed intermittently appearing in random along the streets is actually part of our efforts to preserved the history of our Great ancestors and to constantly remind ourselves of their contributions to our nation.

Simple decorations all over the city for this festival.

A small boy dressing up in this traditional outfit!

Fast and Furious- The Dragon and his Fireball

The Dragon serves as a symbol during the Chinese New Year.

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HELLO TO ALL! Gung Hay Fat Choy!

(Chinese New Year 2008- The Year of Rat!)

Before we know, Chinese New Year 2009 -The Year of the OX, will be arriving very soon! Starting on the Monday, 26th of January in 2009, the celebrations usually lasts about 42 days, depending on the Chinese calender.

As for me, another year has gone by, and i personally feel that there has not been much changes going on for the past 1 year. As the new year comes, I will have to carry out the usual CNY routine of clearing my stuff and helping my mother to clean up the house. It is not impossible fpr me to spend a whole weekend just to put up the decorations and lay out the new year goodies for me to eat! I always look forward to the reunion dinner with my family as I get to see all my younger cousins (I'm the oldest in both my father's and mother's side of the family) and the have a sumptuous meal.

Based on the previous 16 years of my life, I doubt my family will change their sequence of visiting my relatives. First stop is at my grandmother's house all the way in Chua Chu Kang (I live in Tampines) and we have to be there in the morning (this means getting up early in the morning for me). It's worth it though as my grandparents are usually quite generous with the red packets they give. This is followed by some relatives on my mother's side whom I can never remember how I'm supposed to address them. Next would be the relatives on my father's side and some of his friends. The night is usually wasted away by me trying to ignore the noise from the "washing" of the mahjong tiles. And of course, once the celebrations are over, I think I will end up with sore throat due to all the barbeque pork, pineapple tarts and chocolates I'll be eating. Sometimes, temptation does have a price to pay. :X

In actual fact, all the CNY bustling actually takes place weeks before the day itself, where all families gear up in preparation for the time when their relatives come knocking on their doors. It will not be surprising to see the streets of Chinatown being flooded with people rushing to buy their New Year's goods in anticipation of their guests. Take a walk in Chinatown 1 week before the New Year. You will be overwhelmed with the different scents and sounds in the air, like the smell of roasting chestnuts, the smell of different fruits and dried pork and the shouts of the store keepers trying to reel in customers. An experience you won't forget.

Also during the CNY period, festivities take place all over the city. This include the spectacular Chingay Parade, consisting of stilt-walkers, lion dancers, samba dances and floats. Be bombarded by the wide variety of colourful and vibrant performances! Simply fabulous!

Besides Chingay, another activity that should not be missed will be the yearly Chinese New Year Celebration held at Chinatown. Light-up ceremony, countdown party, fireworks, firecrackers, how can you possibly miss all the fun in this action-packed festive celebration?

Cai Shen dao~

-THE GOD OF WEALTH-

has been and is still the main attraction during the Chinese New Year Festival!

" Take a candy from him and it is believe to be able to bring you luck for this Chinese New Year!"

All these festivities are a great opportunity for everyone on this island to have a huge gathering and totally indulge themselves in the jubilant atmosphere during this festive season!

So remember, during the CNY period, do join in the festive crowds!

Till Later,

TWK! (Travel with Knowledge)

Credits for images: By Tracee on Flickr & Yahoo Images