it was chinese new year yesterday + mum brought me to where all the exciting things happen at this time of year, the chinese community in manila, to experience this celebration first-hand. it was both our first time + even when we were all tired after the day, it was one amazing experience i know we will be doing again. 🙂

the place was teeming with people everywhere + mum had to remind me loads of times not to wander off + just hold on to her hand while we walk along the people-laden streets lest i might get lost. we first visited the church in tondo before meeting the group of people the we are suppose to be doing the chinese new year walk. this is where mum bought me this snake-shaped balloon, which we had to throw away later on when it got a hole + won’t float anymore….:(

we saw a number of dragon + lion dances, some even has fireworks that went along with the dance exhibition. we did see a number of lucky charms sold by the streets, along with chinese food, fruits, tikoy + other merchandise. mum did not really look around to shop for anything except for some flavored hopia in one of the stores there.

one of the highlights of our tour will have to be the chinese temple stop where mum + i tried lighting some incense and praying, too. it was our first time to be inside a temple. + did you know that this cool temple, apart from a number of huge photos of saints and whatnots, also has free pop corn + ice cream served to all the visitors. i enjoyed the pop corn! 🙂

we saw a number of animals, too, in the restaurant where we had our late lunch. it was a little zoo of some sorts, with an alligator, a turtle and a number of fishes in big tanks. it was a feast to look at.

even though we were tired after a day’s tour, it was well worth it + we might just be going back next year for another exciting chinese new year adventure!

time for you to share your chinese new year adventure with us {it is okay if you have another story to tell, as well}, add one of these badges + link up. try visiting the other players, too, to make our game twice the fun! i shall wait for your entries then. 

by the way, last week’s kids in doodles linky will be open for a couple of hours more, so you might want to link up there, too! 😉

here’s to a happy week ahead + kung hei fat choi everyone! 😀