Happy Chinese New Year

Sunday, Kilanas

Its been raining for the entire month, and I was talking to Joyce, Thompson Furniture about the peculiar events that have been happening in Brunei just in time for Chinese New Year. With the electrical outage affecting major businesses in Brunei, and the floodings due to the heavy rain and then the solar eclipse that coincidentally falls on the same day as the New Chinese Year, The Year of the Ox.

She mentions about last year it was happening to China just in time for CNY, where the entire country was succumbed with frost and snow storms making thousands of Chinese stranded on the train, unable to reach home for CNY. Now this year, its happening in Brunei. What a peculiar coincidence. I don’t normally believe with the Chinese auspicious-ness with months and star animals, but this year is suppose to be my year. I’m born on the Year of the Ox. I suppose good things will come to my way this year. I do sure hope its true.  Well come to think of it, ever since the new year of the Ox, I have made achievements with this blog in particular and I won first place for a speech competition in my University – which I will be receiving a prize later this afternoon. It could be the year to do new things and take more risks.

Joyce and her husband of Thompson furniture was kind enough to invite my family to their open house Sunday afternoon – we were quite lucky that we arrived at 4pm just in time to watch the Lion Dance at their residence in Kilanas. The food was catered by Brunei Hotel, nasi lemak with battered chicken and typical daging rendang.

here the lion comes

This is actually my very first time seeing the lion dance up close. With the sounds from the drums and gongs, I have to say it was quite an experience.

The drums can be seen from the background

The lion dance is believe to ward away any bad omens from the house and bring prosperity and luck to the residents of the house.

here comes the golden lion!

The lion dance troupe hails all the way from Sungai Liang, Belait. I have to admit they’re really good.

Lion seeing the ang-pao - takes a whole lot of acrobatics

Ang Pao gone!

Thanks Joyce and family, Thompson furniture for the invite. May you and your family have a prosperous new year.

Father & son in the background

Joyce receiving a souvenir from the Sg Liang troupe

To my Chinese friends, Happy Chinese New Year