is the last night of Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year celebration and something having to do with lanterns that I'm not culturally aware enough to understand yet. This means many things, the most notable of which being that this is the last day for a very long time that fireworks are permitted within Beijing city limits.
Fireworks displays from the elaborate to the dangerously obviously amateur have been ongoing since the first day of the CNY celebration over two weeks ago. I love fireworks, and yes, I get all sparkly-eyed in a literal sort of way gazing in amazement as bursts of fiery glitter reflect in my pupils. And yet, I must say, two weeks is more than enough of this good thing.
Fortunately - and this may or may not be a sarcastic use of the word - this last day of the festival means that every fireworks vendor and every purchaser of fireworks who has yet to use his or her wares, may - nay, must - set off all remaining fireworks before sunrise tomorrow.
While it is exciting and giggle-inducing to watch cars stop and overzealous civilians running in and out of the street, carelessly bounding beyond the "do not cross" tape to set off fireworks displays in front of my building, it is somewhat disheartening that there is one more night I will not have the benefit of peace and quiet to supplement my attempts at sound sleep. Fortunately, there is always Nyquil.
Happy New Year! Finally.
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