Beijing Goes Ballistic!!!

Happy Chinese New Year Everyone!

*The following photos were taken from our apartment window 6/2/08 - Chinese New Year's Eve.

The Year of the Rat is upon us, and so we wave farewell to the little pig who went wheeeeeeeeee all the way home, and we let the Rodent run amuck awhile.

Well - the New Year certainly got started with a BANG! I really can't do it justice writing about it - you really had to be here -

...here when firework stands were set up on every street corner.

...here when the days and nights leading up to the Chinese New Years Eve started snap-crackle-n'popping with increasing intensity in the streets of Beijing.

...here when on the Eve itself, as night began to fall, it began to feel like we were in a war zone.

...here when our windows were our only protection from in/up-coming explosives.

...here when Michelle was ducking for cover.

...here when at 11:45pm - Beijing went ballistic!

Yes - Beijing! Everywhere. And of course - all of China was doing the same. As words can't describe it, maybe pictures can. Moving pictures that is. First, watch and listen as I commentate the happening from our 15th floor apartment window (never knew we were renting a 1st class viewing platform!)... Warning: This is very amatuerish, as these two videos caught on my digital camera will show, but you'll get the idea. Note: The first one is long with commentary, the second is short without it. Stop them anytime you've captured the wonder of it all. *And turn up the volume for full effect.

(To watch this video on Youtube with the option of full-screen viewing click HERE.)

(To watch this video on Youtube with the option of full-screen viewing click HERE.)

Yes, the fireworks were this close to us!!!

Next - here's a much better video taken by one of the locals (where from in Beijing I'm not quite sure), but it's bound to complete the picture I'm trying to paint of Beijing gone Ballistic.

As you have seen, our photos just won't tell the full story, but they can end it (and to see more, view the slideshow to the right):
It really was a night to remember, and even though it's over...the people are still letting off fireworks in the streets of Beijing days later. This is their Spring Festival. It's much like our Christmas - a time when everyone heads back to their hometowns and families, exchanges gifts, feasts and celebrates. I just can't imagine how many fireworks were let off in China in total - but for a developing country - this was splurging. Actually - no wonder its still developing!

Next time we'll let you in on more of what goes on during Winter in Beijing, and any other Spring Festival happenings. In the meantime we're both enjoying some time off work with the rest of China, and enjoying the serenity...

Anyway - until next time - watch out for those rats.

This is China.

Dig it.