GONG HEI FAT CHOY & HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

We have missed Groundhog Day, the SuperBowl, Grammy Awards, Emmys, Golden Globes, Robbie Burns Day, and a whole lot of nasty winter weather back home. But we were in one of the best Chinese New Year festivals this side of Shanghai and Feb 3 is also the anniversary of our first real date 18 years ago. So, may all this weekend's happiness follow you, too!

In Penang, the Chinese grouped like loose tea leaves in the cup. They poured off a cruise ship. They arrived on jets from every direction. And mostly they bussed or drove up from "the big city", Kuala Lumpur. Because Penang was settled by 16thC Chinese traders, almost everyone has an ancestor or other connection. The rickshaws pedaled them on the chaotic streets, like new emperors in an old kingdom. Shops welcomed the influx with gaudy red lanterns and glistening gold banners. It all came to a crescendo on the 2-2-2014 with mobs among the old shopfronts that define the ancient Chinese era in Malaysia.

True to the diversity of Malaya, performances included some Bollywood, some kids' horseplay (it's The Year of the Horse!), hip Malay DJ's, and more selfies than at a high school prom. We had to squeeze through jostling families and couples, trying to get to the essence of the culture --- the Lion Dance. When that lion roared, the crowd scattered in fun-fright and I got touched by more than an angel. Happy New Year --- we wish you February Fireworks the whole year through!