St. Patrick's Day

It is impossible for everyone to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the same day. So, Old Town held its holiday parade on March 6th, beating neighboring cities to the punch. At first glance, Old Town’s St. Patrick’s Day parade was a dog day. Market Square held a small dog show/contest with tons of dog treats, books, dog-friendly groups. I felt under dressed without a dog at my heels. There was a small antique car show (50’s Buick, Model A), displaying the vehicles to be used in the parade to transport parade dignitaries. Some of the cars were green (perfect for this holiday). For some bizarre reason the purpose of the Saint Patrick’s Day parade was half to honor Irish heritage and half to honor the military. I falsely expected a solely Irish celebration. There were Irish step dancers and Irish wolfhounds following pipers from the fire department. The only random group was the Bolivian dancers, which had no relation to Ireland at all.
One way I prepare for this holiday is to bake Irish soda bread. I am no cook, but soda bread is one of the few foods I am confident in preparing and giving to others. This year, I made loaves for friends and family. My family went through two and a half loaves by St. Patrick’s Day.

恭喜发财

To all my Mandarin-speaking friends: 恭喜发财。老虎年快乐！Happy Chinese New Year!
This year, Chinese New Year began on Valentine’s Day and lasted until the end of February.
On the 21st, DC’s Chinatown held a Chinese New Year parade. I already knew that Chinatown’s locals used traditional characters, but I was still struck by numerous Taiwanese flags hanging next to American flags. Having visited the PRC four times, I subconsciously expect the flag of the 共产党, instead of the 国民党.
Most of the parade attendees were non-Asian, unfortunately. Regardless of being back in the US for half a year, I still prefer an Asian (or Chinese) crowd. I guess that year I taught in China affected me more than I thought. The vendors were also not Asian, which made the area seem even less Chinatown. This is a feat because the area is predominantly Western stores and restaurants anyway. Damn you, Verizon Center!
Dad and I watched the many lion and dragon dances. We even saw people in Chinese zodiac costumes, although the rooster was not convincing. The parade lasted about thirty minutes. I want my parades to last longer than a wait for Domino’s.

Belated Happy Christmas and Merry New Year

Shame on me for not writing faithfully on my blog. Two holidays came and went and no blog appeared. Until now.
This past Christmas was fully American and European thanks to my parents. My stocking contained nuts and a tangerine (Europe), and I watched the fantastic "A Christmas Story." The movie was my own regret about my first Chinese Christmas. Somehow this movie did not come across the Pacific. I will agree that "A Christmas Story" is distinctly American, and thus can be confusing for those unfamiliar with American culture. However, if China sells "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" I refuse to understand why a Christmas comedy remains unavailable in China.
The Christmas tree lit and Christmas carols in the air was a perfect holiday atmosphere. It is a lot of fun to deck the tree, but I always dread taking the tree down. The living room becomes so boring and normal.
New Year's Eve is another holiday that differs in various countries. Since I did not surround myself with drunk Americans/foreigners in China, my experience there differed greatly from anything in the States. This year, or rather last year on Dec. 31st, I welcomed 2010 at a club. What better way to celebrate New Year's than surrounded by drunk, dancing strangers? My friend and I enjoyed ourselves and went home relatively sober. :P On the subway ride home, however, I realized how drunk people get. The train driver yelled at someone attempting to urinate on the platform. When you gotta go and your inhibitions are really inebriated, what else is there to do? Now I wonder how many times this metro train driver will have to repeat himself on St. Patrick's Day. If this is any sign, 2010 will surely be interesting.