Chinese New Year!

Chinese New Year is upon us in Taiwan and the night markets are already bustling and packed with throngs of people, noise, flashing neon and of course food stalls. Taiwan has so much good food to eat!

Actually there is so much to describe that I am not sure where to start, but the most interesting experience so far has been a return visit to the temple in Da Jia.

Visiting the temple to burn incense and to pray for good fortune in the coming year is a fundamental part of the Chinese New Year celebrations and festivities.

The temple in Da Jia is one of the most famous in Taiwan and today it was even more packed than usual and at times it was almost impossible to breath through the clouds of incense smoke.

I knelt down at the alter to Guan Yin next to my wife and let her do the praying this time, as I am sure I made a hash of it last time. As we stepped outside we were confronted with the traditional Lion Dance, the lion being lurid pink, I don't think that is a traditional colour.

We walked around the the local streets absorbing the sights and smells of local snacks being cooked at the side of the road. My wife bought a local delicacy that had enough garlic in it to scare off even the most determined vampire, but she loves to eat it that stuff, so what can I say!