Saturday, 9 February 2008

2008 Chinese New Year Celebrations @ Crown & China Town


I dashed down to Crown Casino after work last night to meet up with Cameron and Winnie + her family for dinner. Winnie bought us din din to thank us for 'looking after' her apartment while they were away. I told her she didn't have to but she insisted that we join them. Apparently little Michael was over the moon when he learned that we were coming. He was very happy to see us last night, eagerly explaining a few things Chinese to us. (I have written a post about Michael's antics a couple of weeks ago that I still haven't posted. I think I will do that in the next few days.)


If you are in the city this weekend, be sure to visit Crown Casino. The riverside has been transformed into a Hawker's Bazaar with many interesting things on offer for everyone to enjoy. For those who love food (who doesn't?), do try those pork jerky squares or Maxim's custard tarts. Other than the usual folk dancing, martial arts demonstrantion and lion & dragon dancing, there's also Tommy the Noodleman. The picture above is of Tommy and a volunteer making noodles. Visit also the Atrium @ Crown to see 'The Emperor' - an interesting show of sound and light. I think the Emperor is meant to be the beautiful dragon that comes to life during the show. In my opinion, Tommy the Noodleman actually look like this dragon. Compare the two and tell me what you think. LOL.


While the celebrations at Crown in recent years seem to overshadow the celebrations in other parts of Melbourne (particularly China Town), I reckon this unique cultural experience is not complete without a visit to old China Town on Sunday. I will be there tomorrow to take photos of our Millenium Dragon. I thought his name was Dai Loong. Who changed it? There's also dragon boat racing down at Docklands but I don't think we will manage to get to so many places in one day.


Stella and her parents have also decided to visit Crown. Now that she is learning Mandarin at school, her dad will not give this experience a miss. Hopefully the little Missy do not find the noise overwhelming this time. She loves the lions but not the noise of the fire crackers. She is easily affected by sudden loud noise or movements.


Okay, I have got one email to reply and then I will have to go.

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