Gong Xi Fa Cai

I don't know what I was thinking.  Well, actually I do.  

I was thinking "I have to go to the Chinese New Year Celebration in London."

"It's the Year of the Horse.  Aren't I a horse?  I think I'm from a Horse Year."

I was thinking "Every blogger in London is going to be there and is going to post way cool photos."

"I, too, must go and get some way cool photos," is what I was thinking.  "Plus, I'm a Horse."

And because I like to share in the fun, I asked Matt  and a few friends to come along

Transport for London knows when large (more on that in a second) groups are gathering.

And they like to really mess with us when that happens.

Stations close.  Routes change.  They don't make it easy to get to the epicenter of any festivity.

So, after a roundabout journey, we finally alighted at Charing Cross.

 "Well, it looks like there is something going on at Trafalgar Square."

I gave him that look.  "Wha?  That's where we're going."

Someone didn't do their homework (and doesn't stalk social media).

"I just thought we were gonna stroll around China Town."

My poor husband had no idea that we were walking into the largest Chinese New Year Celebration outside of China.

It was madness.  Really fun and colorful.  But, madness, nonetheless.

Take a look.  Madness, right?

I finagled a spot along the wall and took some photos of the celebrations.

Leaping Lions and Dancing Dragons entertained the crowds.

 There were a few food booths set up selling chips and churros.  Go figure.

And lots of fun souvenirs for sale.  But, we didn't even attempt to get any closer.

It was a beautiful blue sky day and felt good to be out in the sun.

The crowd was relaxed and having fun.   Great for people watching.

After a while, we needed to get away from the crowds and refresh ourselves with cheeseburgers.

Then someone (me) had this brilliant thought.

"Everyone is in Trafalgar Square so let's sneak over to China Town and walk around.

I'm sure it will be completely deserted and we can get some more way cool photos!"

No. It was even more crowded than Trafalgar Square.

There were streets blocked off so you could only enter and exit at certain points.

And it was jam-packed with people.  We admitted defeat and hot footed it out of there.

But not before stopping for a few more way cool photos. 

Even though it was madness, I had a great time and I'm very glad that we joined in the celebration.

Although, I'm not sure Matt has forgiven me yet.

 Did you make it out to the celebration? What did you think?


By the way, I'm starting UK driving lessons today.  Finally.  Be afraid, London.

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