Gung hay fat choy!!

Yesterday was the usual until noon, when I went to City Hall and listened to
the U.S. China Music Ensemble.
Wonderful stuff.

They played Drums, DiZi, YangQin, Gu-zheng, and Er-hu.

Solos and ensemble.

If I remember right, DiZi is a bamboo flute, YangQin is a hammered dulcimer,
Gu-Zheng is like the Japanese Koto, Er-hu is a two string violin, and Drums are a lot like ummm...Drums.

Hitting things with sticks is a universal language.

Speaks to me.

The spokesman for the group was Warren Chang, who wished us all Happy new year.
In English.
I was reminded of the East meets West scene in a lot of movies where Western businessman extends his hand in greeting while East bows, then West bows as East extends hand then they both laugh.

Any way;

Nuovo anno cinese felice
Ano Nuevo chino feliz
Nouvelle annee chinoise heureuse
Glückliches chinesisches neues Jahr

It's the year of the Rat.

We've all been waiting for this election.

Haven't we?