chinesenewyear

About a week ago, after days of non-stop rain, I finally managed to step foot (and camera) in Chinatown to photograph the final preparations for the Chinese New Year (“CNY”) Celebrations, a not-to-be missed festive season, right here in Singapore.

As usual, I arrived at Pagoda street “early” in the morning to enjoy the still almost empty streets, and the setting up of the first stalls, witnessing the calm before the storm.

CNY2017 © Catherine Houston

Just an hour later, a mix of tourists and locals – and their cameras and grocery carts – started to fill up this very colourful part of the Red Dot, the former group looking for new experiences (discovering and sometimes tasting exotic food or enjoying a rich cultural experience) and the latter doing some last-minute shopping for CNY celebrations.

CNY2017 © Catherine Houston

Suddenly, I saw it … a rooster was getting ready to crow!! 🙂

cny-2017-7052 — CNY2017 © Catherine Houston

cny-2017-6967 — CNY2017 © Catherine Houston

Happy Chinese New Year!!

Are you a Monkey?? 🙂

(I’m a Dragon, but not to worry, a nice one…).

2016 is the Year of the Monkey (and a fire monkey with that!)!!!

As many of you probably already know in Chinese astrology, each year is associated with a Chinese zodiac animal sign but also (a less known fact) one of the five elements: Gold (Metal), Water, Wood, Fire, or Earth. Both the sign and element of your birth year are said to affect your personality and destiny.

– Fire Monkey : Character would be “ambitious and adventurous, but irritable” –

For more info, check out this site: http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-zodiac/monkey.htm

This year was my first time witnessing a Chinese New Year Celebration in Singapore (and in Asia in general) and I really enjoyed it. I was expecting maybe more traditional lanterns (at least in my romantic mind) but was impressed nevertheless.