Gong Hey Fat Choy 2012

        I was able to experience the authentic Chinese New Year in Hongkong last year. Chinese are very extravagant when it comes to celebration. Money was never an issue. I was surprised how generous they are in giving leisee. I was timid then in accepting the envelope. Glad I did!

       Celebrating Chinese New Year in Hongkong was really memorable. The Mandarin orange kumquat and Fortune Bamboos were practically everywhere. It was my first time to see Peach Blossom, Golden Money Plant and Pussy Willow. I remember I was tasked to lift a big plant pot heavier than me. I thought I was going to faint! Oh, I didn't mind, I received $500 in return anyway. Hooray! I miss eating the stinky but yummy radish cake called law bok gow (lo4 baak6 gou1), the steamed Bao and dumplings! I miss the fried tofu and the extra-ordinary scrambled egg for dinner. I miss the cold wind and festive atmosphere. Clothing shop sales were unbelievable!

        The Chinese symbol for Happy New Year is 恭禧發財, its literal translation is "Congratulation fortune". The most common way of greeting Happy New Year is Gong Xi Fa Cai (Mandarin) and Gong Hey Fat Choy (Cantonese). The word "Gong Xi" means congratulations or respectfully wishing one's joy. "Fa Cai" means to make money. When someone greets Gong Hey at Choi, a fun way of response is "Hong Pao Na Lai" or Red Envelope Please! I used this phrase several times last year and believe me, you wont get disappointed.

         According to Feng Shui experts, my good fortune luck (Rooster) is shining bright this year. There are so many things and opportunities appear on the horizon just waiting to manifest for me. A year to expand and move into new level of achievements to pursue almost anything I wish as it is most certain that it will turn out positively. My wealth luck is good. It's going to be a benchmark year for me. I believe and already feel it.

GONG XI FA CAI EVERYONE!!!!