Spring Festival

I just got off the Internet chatting with Mom. Her typing has gotten much faster. Its nice to be able to chat online because it is free and calls cost money.

Night after night more fireworks can be seen and heard around the city as we approach the Chinese New Year on the 29th. Its funny how the Chinese call it Chunjie or the Spring Festival, because I have never thought sping starts until sometime in late March or April. But the Chinese believe the Spring is the start of the new year and celebrate it in late January. They follow the lunar calendar. After 5000 years of history and tradition, whom am I to say they are silly. The Chinese New Year is a time to be with family, similar to Christmas. My school feels nearly empty because of the exodus of students who went to their hometowns.

I may go somewhere, but still have not decided. Call me a homebody, but I am enjoying just staying in my room reading what I want and getting rest. I bought the Complete Novels and Stories of Sherlock Holmes for diversionary reading at the book store for only 30 RMB or $3.60, when it said $6.95 on the back cover! I wonder if it was a pirated copy too?

I put down a deposit for school and got my documentation from the university to renew my visa. I took a taxi to the police/immigration office, got in line, handed over my papers and passport, and got another paper back with a date I can pick up my passport. This time was easier because I could just go to the Beijing office. But next time, because I will be applying for a longer term visa, I will have to go to Hong Kong.