Skipping ahead... the NEW YEAR

So, it has been a long while since I last posted. I blame being out of the country. But more on that later. First, I want to upload some pictures of the New Year. Its a big deal here, mostly because there are fireworks- EVERYWHERE. I felt like I lived in the middle of a warzone. My apartment was shaking from about 7:30 AM until midnight... for days. Thats right- days. 

The first picture- Notice that the fireworks are next to the window. Thats right- people set them off in the courtyard of the apartment complex. Normal everyday Joe Schmoe can buy and set up huge fireworks- the kind we would see at a community Fourth of July display. I am on the 18th floor and they are exploding at eye-level. Great view!

second- Now the scenery isn't amazing, just a man and his son participating in the festivities. However, notice the debris in the air. This is thanks to the last day of the festival. The smoke settled everywhere and made it difficult to breathe. A rare clear day turned hazy.

third - The remains in the courtyard. The apartment complexes set up these "fireworks launchpads" for residents. Yup, setting off fireworks around large buildings, pedestrians and children is encouraged.