Hinching

Figure 1. Evonne Hsu singing live at the New Year concert

Five days late but better than never. ‘Happy New Year 2008, everyone!’. Barely two days after my departure from Brisbane, the family and I flew to Taipei for a short family holiday to celebrate the new year there. It was noticeably a shopping holiday for the whole family. I went there with my luggage only a quarter full. Dad had brought along several empty boxes alongside his main luggage while Mum had her handy expandable bag all packed in as well.

Shopping was great. Dad had his fair of shopping for frog souvenirs for his collection back home. My sisters were trying desperately to buy as much as possible to fit into their luggage. I myself got new sheets for my bed, some new work clothing and

Figure 2. New Year Celebrations at Taipei 101

The place to be on a New Year eve in Taipei would be at the 2008 New Year Countdown HIGH concert in front of the City Hall. The celebrations was attended by approximately 600,000 people (it was a staggering feat to go back to the hotel later; it took me almost two hours by MRT). If you have ASTRO at home, you might have had watched this concert on TVBS. I think it was broadcasted there.

Perhaps the most beautiful fireworks I’ve seen. 188 seconds of fireworks pouring down from the floors of Taipei 101 when the clocks struck twelve. Not to mention the number of Taiwanese celebrities I’ve seen that night on stage. Putting aside the fact that I barely understood what they were singing on the night, my youngest sister was very jealous that I met them in person instead of her. Haha.

How did you spend your new year?