Chinese New Year

We had a very nice Chinese New Year season this year. One reason for this was our strategically planned grocery shopping to avoid the chaos of last year! I am happy to say that we didn't spend too much time in line at the grocery store.

Although the rest of the town still seems to be on holiday (as I type, there are still fireworks going off at all times of day and night!), Tim and Milan are back at school today after our very relaxing vacation in Subic Bay, Philippines. We stayed with our friends who moved there last year, and have new benchmark for family vacations - after three years of traveling with Milan, I had no idea vacation and travel could be relaxing. Pictures are up on Flickr.

Before vacation, we enjoyed some nice New Year events and dinners with friends in town. The weekend before vacation we went to the neighborhood community center to learn how to make traditional Chinese New Year 汤圆 tāngyuán. They are glutinous rice flour balls filled with sweet black sesame paste.

Tim learning how to make the rice balls

There were many teachers from our school and other foreigners from the community there. Tim's rice balls were voted "best in show"!

Tim and his very proud teacher

After all of the dough and filling were used, the balls were cooked in the kitchen and brought back out for us all to enjoy.

Just smile and chew :)

Bowl of rice balls

Now that Chinese New Year is over, we have the long haul of school until Spring Break in April! Luckily my friend Susannah is coming to visit this month to break up the routine.

Happy Year of the Rabbit to you all!
兔年快乐!