Monkey Business

It's all monkey business in China these days as we prepare for Chinese New Year, also known as CNY, the year of the Monkey.

CNY marks the beginning of Spring Festival.  It starts on the second new moon after the winter solstice and ending on the full moon fifteen days later. It is marked by visits to family and friends, special meals, fireworks, and gift giving. Everyone we have met is planning on going to their home town to be with family.  The city is preparing to shut down to give people enough time to travel home.  While the holiday itself is 3 days the city seems to be off for 2 weeks.  And fireworks are being banned as its affects on pollution and air quality.

The kids have no school for a week, my husband's office is closed and the markets are all closing down.  We are heading to Thailand at the end the week, something I thought I'd ever be saying.  We also seem to be traveling to Thailand with almost all the other ex-pats I ask what their plans are for CNY.  We are going to Bangkok for 3 days and Phuket for 5 days. I am most looking forward to traveling, much warmer weather and being with my family.

Stay tuned for pictures of the CNY decorations.

In the meantime find out what zodiac animal you were born under.