the first snow in Beijing 2009

I think it's been 2 years that i didn't have chance to see snow in China. It snowed very heavily in early 2008 in southern China but i missed the time. i was in Singapore already.

This was taken in Prince Gong’s Palace. (恭王府). It was heard that the whole palace was for Heshen (和珅), a notorious minister in Qing Dynasty. He was a typical corruptional minister. Heshen's total pocession was 630 billion RMB. He was far richer than Bill Gates and should be the richest man in the history. Anyway, he was arrested at last by emporor Jiaqing and all his pocession was confisticated.

This was taken in the back yard of the palace. I was really surprised that this garden is even bigger and prettier than the emporer's garden in the Forbidden City...

still in the same palace...i love the peaceful and silent atmosphere there.

The first snow in Beijing, 2009.

Happy Chinese New Year~

It is the first time for me to spend my Chinese New Year in China since I go to Singapore in 2004. The atmosphere is still familiar. Actually Chinese New Year is not only the Jan 1st in Lunar Year, but it extends to the 15th Jan. Chinese people regards this day as the last day of Chinese New Year period. Although most store owners went back to their hometowns to celebrate the CNY with their families, it is still very crowded in many supermarkets and restaurants. I spent the CNY eve in my nanny's home and watch the notorious CNY programs. Why is it notorious? In China, the CNY evening program is always reproached by people every year for its fake singing and many boring programs...anyway, i think most people still choosing to watch it on CNY eve.

I just recieved a New Year card from a friend in Osaka Japan. She's learning arts and cartoon there. So she made this card by herself~ it is a very dedicated card~nice~
It is not the first time that i saw a letter from Japan as my mom has Japanese friend, but it's the first time i recieved a Japan letter from a friend of mine.
P.S. 2.14 is coming soon, what's your plan?