One of the interesting phenomenon of our multicultural time-travel over the past few months was having experienced "the new year" four times. No, no -- we were not in some fantastic time machine. We just learned by experience that different places celebrate their "new year" at different times than the generally-recognized civil new year.
Last December when we were in West Africa we were present for the Muslim new year. Then we were back in the USA for the civil new year, officially turning the calendar to 2011. After that we managed to arrive in Singapore in February to participate in the last week of celebrations for the Chinese new year (having the same yummy "good luck" salad night after night!). Then, we ended up leaving Phnom Penh just as preparations were getting under way for the Cambodian new year.
I must admit that I was not aware of the number of the year being ushered in in each of the three new cultures, but the sense of celebration was evident.
So, wherever you are, "happy new year"!
Last December when we were in West Africa we were present for the Muslim new year. Then we were back in the USA for the civil new year, officially turning the calendar to 2011. After that we managed to arrive in Singapore in February to participate in the last week of celebrations for the Chinese new year (having the same yummy "good luck" salad night after night!). Then, we ended up leaving Phnom Penh just as preparations were getting under way for the Cambodian new year.
I must admit that I was not aware of the number of the year being ushered in in each of the three new cultures, but the sense of celebration was evident.
So, wherever you are, "happy new year"!
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