New Years Eve in Zhongli, Taiwan

Everyone in Taiwan uses the big boys. I don't think there are any restrictions on buying fireworks here!

Unlike Christmas, New Years Eve is done in a big way in Taiwan. From early evening there are people everywhere on the street--more people that I've seen out and about than in my entire 5 months of living here. The night markets are packed, the streets are full and many enjoyed the pleasant weather of this years New Years Eve by walking to their destination. I was one of those people, along with my companions Daphne and Katie. While walking to my favorite bar in Zhongli (Hide Out Lounge and Cafe), located in the middle of the local Zhongjeng park, we saw large fireworks lit in the middle of the street--as traffic continued in a normal fashion, and children of all ages dressed to impress and many toddling about, ready to enjoy their first New Years Eve.

She was too cute, even if she didn't like the flash. When I told her that she was cute in Chinese she responded with thanks in English. Her lisp was adorable!

In Taiwan, New Years Eve is a night for large concerts in the parks that mimic Times Square--free, of course. Many travel hours after work or school to see their favorite bands--I had one student who finished class with me at 9:00 PM and was then going to Kaoshiong--a 2.5 hr ride by High Speed Rail--to see his favorite band, Mayday. Our destination was much closer, only a ten minute walk from work. The park was packed with people and vendors. The stage was enormous and there were large screens located throughout the park for those who did not have a place close enough to the stage. We found 3 spots on a bench swing outside Hide Out. It was supposed to be a temporary spot that we could enjoy our drinks before midnight when we would meander closer to the stage for the countdown and fireworks. Little did we know that the spot we had chosen was the perfect one for firework viewing. At 30 seconds to midnight the entire park began the countdown. At midnight fireworks burst right above our heads! At one point we were dusted with firework particles we were so close. It was beautiful.

RIGHT above us!

The last firework was everyone's cue to clear out. More than half the people were gone in ten minutes. This was great for us, who were able to get in to the previously packed bar and find a table. We stayed for a few hours and drank and talked with each other and with new friends, then walked home--stopping for dan bing on the way, of course! This has been my most memorable night bringing in the New Year to date. Taiwan did NOT disappoint.

Happy New Year! Bring on 2014!