Lantern Festival

I went with my family to the Lantern Festival at Albert Park in the city last night. Originally we were going to go in on Saturday night, and apparently heaps of people went that night, but because we had a church Lunar New Year dinner (in other words free feed) we decided we'd go on Sunday night. We went into the city really early because our dad had to go to work so we thought we might as well go with him.

After spending some time in the library while my brother looked for some books he needed, we went back to the Lantern Festival. At first the weather wasn't looking too good, with me having to shelter under a Buddhist tent at one stage! While I was there the kind Buddha people gave me some free books and a couple of Cd's on meditation and how to create a new life.

Fortunately the weather cleared up and we checked out all the lanterns, food stalls and shops. I'd say there was a bit more than last year. Some of last year's lanterns were back as well as some new ones like farm animals and vegetables hanging from trees. There was a craft stand with three artists offering their services - one who could sculpt people's heads out of clay, a guy who could cut out your silhouette and another guy who could make toffee lollies into various shapes.

There were two stages with performances. The main stage had some traditional dances and singers, as well as...Pansy Wong screaming into the microphone announcing the winners of the school lantern competition! The other stage had karaoke, offering people the chance to sing in front of heaps of strangers. I was thinking of giving it a go! But...maybe next year... While I was watching some other guy trying to sing I was tapped on the shoulder and turned around to see Sarena and her brother! Wow he's tall!

She was with her family I think. She couldn't stay for the fireworks at 10pm though which was a shame because the fireworks were really good! A lot better than the Sky City birthday fireworks! However when one firework shot into the crowd and there was a slight pause in fireworks being set off, it looked like what happened a couple years ago (fireworks shooting into the crowd and hitting someone) was happening all over again! Fortunately the fireworks kept on rolling and finished off what was a really good night!