Xian Nian Kuai Le

     Throughout my travels I have expierenced many cultures and traditions, but none compare to this evening.  Today I left South Korea, bound for X'ian or "she ahn," as it is pronounced.  This evening was Lunar New Year's Eve, the year of the rabbit.  I was very excited to witness the tradions and customs of this holiday, little did I know that I would expierence this first hand. 
     There were fireworks to welcome me and are still continuing as I write this.  The evening was filled with smoke and a thick haze accompanied it.  My tour guide, Michael (his English name came from Michael Jackson), was a bit young (23), but spoke perfect English.  He was excited to tell me that I was the lone tourist and would be taking the tour on my own.  I was shocked.  I had a private car and guide for tomorrow.  He also invited me to celebrate New Year with his family.  Now, I know as a female traveling alone that it would be very stupid to go with him...but how could I pass up a traditional chinese New Year dinner?  I went against all travel rules and decided to go.
     His grandfather's house was a short walk from my hotel.  Amist the chaos of fireworks and people paying hommage to their ancestor's spirits (they build little fires on the sidewalks, remembering their ancestor's, in hopes that they will bring them luck in this new year), we walked and talked about traditions and customs.  I also learned, that his family members did not speak any English and that I would be the first foreigner in their house.  I later discovered that I was also the first foreigner the family had ever met.  Now, you can imagine the pressure that I felt. 
     All of the family comes together on New Year's Eve.  Michael's grandfather, mother, father, cousins (asian families call their cousins, brother and sister), aunts, and uncles.  I was welcomed into their home and felt like a queen.  They watched my every move and wouldn't stop feeding me!  The house (apartment) was very tiny, with only three rooms: kitchen and two bedrooms.   The table was set up in a bedroom and the tv was on.  The tradition in their family is to watch a comedy/singing show on tv.  Now for the food.

     Keep in mind that I was a guest, with a group of strangers, that could not speak English.  I had to try everything.  They watched my reactions and motioned if it was good.  So here is what I ate:  pigs ears, lotus root, vegetable dumplings, lamb dumplings, roasted peanuts, noodles, beef, and mandarin oranges.  It all tasted very good.  The pigs ear's were a little chewy and cold.  I also tried pig fat (I think...Michael did not know the word)....I practically gagged.  Next came the fireworks.

     They insisted that I try and pushed me out the door.  I was very nervous.  I lit, threw, and waited for three loud bangs.  Thank goodness there was not anyone below, because we threw it right over the balcony of the apartment.  I also lit the largest sparkler I have ever seen. 

I set off a fire cracker and ran for my life!

     After fireworks, we went back into the house and watched tv with the family.  I was served tea and posed for many photos with the family (I felt like part of the family).  I left at about 9:00.  The family said that they will count down to midnight and turn every light on in this house. 

     It sounded like I was in the middle of a battlefield at midnight.  The sky lit up and it did not stop the entire night.  Word of advice, if you travel to China during Lunar New Year, do not plan on getting any sleep!
Xian Nian Kuai Le (Happy New Year)

The house door