RATify

Truly, it's comforting to know amidst all the changes that have taken place on this island, that the Lunar New Year still hails as one of the most well observed of Seasons. The streets were empty in town, shopping centers were practically desolate - and all manner of decoration for the season was in place around this tiny island. In the lull between preparing for the Reunion dinner and diving into the thick of the festivities, I took a trip down town to see what it was like.
The meaning of 除夕 (Chú Xī - Lunar New Year's Eve, or literally "Change", "Eve") still figures very strongly in the lives of the people here, and it's great to return to a place like that. I would not have imagined myself saying this, but I'm glad I'm here during this season, and not somewhere else where it' still Winter. I'm definitely pleased ...