Kung Hei Fat Choi

Chinese New Year always brings back fond memories of my 3-year stay in HKG. Having been fortunate enough to experience CNY in a Chinese country, it feels less contrived and more authentic. It's not just a marketing ploy, but an honest-to-goodness cultural experience.

Among the things I remember are:

- How all buildings would be decked in their red fineries.
- The AIA lobby which would have this gigantic tree filled with flowers and oranges.
- The "goody dish" found in our office lobby. It was this circular, partitioned dish that had pistachio nuts and assorted candies.
- The festive mood that you'll feel a week before the actual celebration.
- The very grand fireworks display.
- The quiet streets and closed shops during the CNY season.
- And of course, the Lai Sees that I would get from our bosses and colleagues!

And with those memories, I greet everyone: Kung Hei Fat Choi! May we all have a prosperous year of the Water Snake!