Man Si Sing Yi (May you succeed in all your endeavours)

I stepped out into Central after dinner last night to see brightly coloured fireworks being set off over the HSBC building. Most of the buildings situated by the harbour have been decorated with colourful lights depicting festive patterns such as gift boxes and flowers.

I could never memorise the order of the twelve faithful animals that bid the Buddha farewell - rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and boar. When we were children the family elders would always ask me what year it was and I'd usually guess it wrong. Judging from all the red cards depicting animals I've received, I'd say confidently that this year is the year of the monkey. Everywhere I go, I can see orange trees decorated with red ribbons, and shops have red and gold paper scrolls covering the entrance. There are beautiful red and gold flower arrangements in the lobby of the office. This morning when I went to pick up my laundry I saw someone had made a pattern out of small oranges and orange leaves on the kerb.

It's been a while since I had to think about the lunar New Year. Koreans celebrate it as well - my parents are going to see my grandparents. There are certain differences in the way we celebrate it, however. I have cut my hair to ward off bad luck, as the Chinese do. I have to prepare a red packet for my secretary - it feels so strange giving her cash but apparently that's the thing to do ("Trust me, your secretary will not be happy if she got bananas and apples from you when everyone else is getting money," said an acquaintance of mine when I suggested buying her a fruit basket).

A friend has invited me to her family home for a New Year dinner. I'm looking forward to the home cooking. I wonder what we'll get?