Happy Chinese Lunar New Year!

The Chinese traded with Malaysia for centuries. Then a large number migrated to Malaysia during the 19th century when word of riches in the Nanyang, or "South Seas," spread across China. When they first arrived, the Chinese worked in grueling jobs like the tinmining and railway construction.

Today, it's easy to see that the Chinese are regarded as Malaysia's businessmen, having succeeded in many industries. This type of success is characteristic to Chinese people as you can easily see when you visit China Town in any US urban city.

Tuesday is New Year's eve, and I'll be fortunate enough to take part in a traditional Chinese dinner with one of the AIESEC MC's. She will be picking me up on Tuesday morning, I'll take part in some of the cooking, her mom will make a traditional Chinese soup, I will meet her whole family during this reunion, and we will eat all throughout the day in celebration of the Lunar New Year. Wednesday morning, I'll meet her grandparents for a traditional blessing given on New Year's day, where they give red envelopes filled with money.

The city has been preparing for the New Year and you can see the color 'Red' everywhere. Chinese New Year celebrations typically last 15 days! Everyone, Malays and Indian's alike, has Feb. 9th & 10th off from work. I was told that most areas will look like ghost towns, since the Chinese run most of the businesses here in KL.

I, on the other hand, have a 9 day vacation. Crazy! I just started work right?! However, this is a great time for me to learn more about the city I now call home.