Just Watch The Fireworks

Another year in Yichang seems amazing. Another year of regrets of not writing in my blog for the millions upon millions of ridiculous things that happen here everyday.

Last night was the Yichang Tourism Festival/Fireworks display on the Yangtze for National Day. That means what seems like millions of yichang locals, and 5 foreigners, should cram themselves into the smallest area of shirtless sweaty suffocation as possible. This makes that one Who concert look like the desert.

So, large numbers of people in close areas is never good. Of course, behind a fight breaks out. A lil scary. Then, they are selling these traditional "Chinese Lanterns" (picture included) that you send wishes into the atmosphere on. Its so unique and looks very "China Traditional" but, they are sorta hard to get to take off. You light an actual flame in a paper bag basically, and the principle is like a hot air balloon. Unfortunately, they dont always take off too well and the flames catch the paper lantern and so you have these fireballs falling from the sky onto the crowds. If they just moved the vendors closer to the river, away from the crowds, it wouldne be a problem. But, as in everything else here, no foresight. We would rather burn people alive. At one point, a lantern caught fire and went down into a tree, at the public park! The tree was on fire! Unbelievable.

So, a long night to be sure. But a good experience, i guess. Fireworks are fun. I realize now that i have NO desire to be in Beijing for the Olympics. I mean, that many people, power in numbers. Security doesnt stand a chance.

National Day holiday starts tomorrow and we will go to Xi'an. Excited.