The heat is on...
Its the Chinese new year and the city that never sleeps is actually closed for two full days. People are visiting each other to wish Gong Xi Fa Cai ! (Wish you a prosperous new year ahead!) and young people are happy to receive the Hong Bao (red packets containing cash) from elders. I myself received one from my boss .. and i also wished my Company well so that I receive a bigger pay packet too in the coming year! We had a lion dance in office with beating of drums.. which reminded of the ganpati celebrations back in Pune. In a way the customs are similar across Asia.. the importance of family and elders in Chinese life makes us think more of India than the more individualistic and freedom oriented values in the western world. Back in the sixties crackers were allowed to be burst in Singapore, but due to safety concerns (all of Singapore is densely populated, hence safety is paramount) they are no longer permitted, except in State sponsored shows celebrating the (Gregorian) New Year Eve and similar functions.
The heat is on.. with gambling and partying !
The twin Casinos and theme parks also had a soft launch coinciding with the new year and were flooded with visitors. The two Integrated resorts are expected to add around 4% to the Singapore GDP and offer tourists options(casino, universal studios theme park) that earlier existed probably did not exist in this part of the world.
The heat is on... for another reason .. the weather is getting really hot ! Temperatures are moderate only in Nov to Jan, and to somebody used to the pleasant climes of Pune, the hot and sultry weather is perhaps the only irritation in an otherwise fascinating country! Another reason to chill out to the places nearby .. like Bintan , Genting and Bali!
Happy new year!
