Chinatown New Year's part 5

The temples were busy in Chinatown on Sunday as people paid their respects.  Here are some shots of less crowded times at some of the temples.

Chinatown New Year's part 4

We ventured down to Chinatown Monday night with our new Australian friends Ben and Megan to check out the festivities.  A couple other people had the same idea.  It was worth braving the crowds, however - we saw dragon dancers (Ben tried to feed one a fish ball), and lots of decorations.  We ate pepper crab and coconut ice cream.  And Ben got a light-up toy (he says it's for his work).  

What an excellent evening!

Chinatown New Year's part 3

Throughout Chinatown on Sunday folks were making offerings and paying respects.  Some people laid out various offerings of food and drink to the gods (note that some gods seem to like Beer Chang elephant beer).  Some people burned 'ghost money' for their ancestors.

Chinatown New Year's part 2

More pics of Chinatown from Sunday.  It is the year of the Ox - Happy Chinese New Year!

Chinatown New Year's part 1

We took a trip down to Chinatown on Sunday to check out the Chinese New Year preparations.  They were getting the floats ready for the parade tomorrow, and folks were lighting firecrackers, buying gold and wearing their red silk.  It was all very festive!