This month we enter the year of the Dragon. Apparently a year that brings prosperity and luck to all, not just those born under its sign. We rose early and left the campus at 9 to be in Trafalgar square in time for the parade. We lined up on the street just as the parade was starting. It started, of course, with a large golden dragon that gracefully floated over the street, twirling and swirling and delighting all of the children in the crowd. Then came some dancing lions, dancers in traditional Chinese clothing, ninjas, and acrobats. It was quite a show, even though it only lasted about 10 minutes.
After the parade we walked down the steps of the National Gallery to the fountains at Trafalgar Square. We were very near the front of the barriers, happily anticipating the lion dance and firecrackers. It wasn't long before we discovered that the ceremony wouldn't start until 12, with the lion dance not starting until 12:45. This is when we lost the majority of the group to food and other attractions. Ulfie, Patrick, and I decided that our position within the crowd was too good to give up, and so we waited it out. At 12 the firecrackers went off. Followed by speeches from various Chinese diplomats and important people wanting to wish us a very happy, prosperous, and healthy new year. Then some important British folk helped with the dotting of the dragon eyes, which brings the dragons to life. The presenters then taught us how to say "Happy New Year" in cantonese. Finally, the much anticipated lion dance. Quite impressive. Take a look.
Then there was another dragon dance. This one lasted for quite a while. The dragon chased a ball on a stick all around in giant loops, tying itself in knots along the way. It was interesting and impressive but I was freezing and holding my camera up high, so I apologise for the shakiness of the video.
Frozen to the core, the three of us decided we could take no more so we headed out of the square towards home. We picked up two more of our group in a coffee shop before marching towards the nearest tube station and warmth. Patrick and I stopped at Wagamama on the way home. It just didn't seem right to eat anything but asian. It definitely hit the spot and slowly, as I started to thaw, the feeling returned to my fingers, legs, feet, and toes. It was a very fun new year's celebration. Despite the temperature being only 2 degrees Celsius, I still enjoyed myself. Here's to a prosperous, healthy year of the dragon!
