People often ask me what I miss the most about living in San Francisco and my answer is always the same. I miss living next to Chinatown. I especially miss living next to Chinatown during the Lunar New Year celebrations. During this time, all of Chinatown is full of energy. There are lion dancers, firecrackers, moon cakes, and finally, the Chinese New Year Parade, with what seems like a million dragon dancers. Can you tell I miss it? I do.
Luckily, Portland has its own slice of Chinatown. Downtown at the Chinese Classical Garden, there is plenty to do and see during the 15 days starting January 26. They will have lion dances, painting demonstrations, Tai Chi fan and sword demonstrations, and live music. These events will culminate in a Lantern Viewing on Sunday, February 8. Download a PDF schedule of events here.
2009 is the year of the Ox. The ox is known to be intelligent, stable, patient, hard-working, and friendly, but can also be stubborn. People born in ox years tend to be planners, engineers or architects. Traditionally, you can expect the year of the ox one of prosperity through hard work, and a time where past obstacles are overcome.
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
