Kung Hee Fat Choy! Happy New Year!

Kung Hee Fat Choy - The Year of the Tiger! Chinese New Year celebrations have been underway since we arrived here nearly three weeks ago. They culminate this weekend when the old lunar year gives way to the new on February 14th. Local media have announced festivals, food events and beauty pageants as part of the celebration. Among the most spectacular is the traditional Lion Dance which is being performed around the island through Feb. 27th.

Among suggestions offered for celebrating the New Year are: wear something red (Chinese legend says that color scares away evil spirits); watch a Lion's Dance; buy some trinkets and give to friends - gift giving is a big part of the celebration; find a fireworks display - also big in the celebration.

This year with Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year celebrations falling on the same day, O'ahu has so many restaurant specials, getaway specials and celebrations that it would be hard to choose just one - unfortunately, we timed our return to Kirkland not following the Chinese calendar and will miss the weekend's festivities.