Fireworks

Letting off fireworks during Chinese New Year festive period is a long-held Chinese tradition based on the belief that the noise will ward off evil spirits and ghosts. Singapore does not allow fireworks since the early seventies, so as far as my childhood days are concerned, I have not played fireworks before. Fireworks are allowed in China during Chinese New Year, so on the night of 元宵, me and my 亲爱的 decided to join in the fun. There was a makeshift stall outside my hotel in Wang Jing, and after checking out the prices, we decided to buy the smallest piece that cost RMB 70. When I opened up the wrapper, I have to figure out where to start the fire as there was no instructions given. Luckily I got it right the first time. Meanwhile, the new Mandarin Oriental Hotel at downtown was burning, caused by fireworks.