The First Hour of Year 2008

It was the most exciting and breathtaking first hour of January the first in my life. I was with Toastmaster Rikuko Kanai and her huband at the foot of Taipei 101, less than 100 meters from ground zeor. When the countdown began, the collective voice of Hsin-yi district screamed in unison with highest and earnest expectations, all eyes looking up, Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three, Two, One, the time flew so fast and so slow.

Taipei 101 became a gigantic and gargantuan firework. Pedestrians gathering around Taipei City Hall were simply overwhelmed. The final display of the most luxious and splendid Taipei 101 Firework lasted for two minutes against a dark clear sky on a cold night. The glorious and blissful feelings made me a proud citizen of Taipei.

After the grandiose firework display, people hugged one another cheerfully and joyfully to wish each other Happy New Year on the streets. Kanai san and I walked hand in hand in the crowd of people. It was like the cinema was over. Everybody thrusted their way to leave the theatre at the same time in the same direction.

In the wee small hours, we bought three red beans pancakes to start our sweet and happy year of 2008, one for Rikuko, one for Nobu, and one for me. On the bus from Taipei 101 to Taipei Train Station, Kanai san and I sat at the back row seeing the swarms of happy and satisfied party goers along the routes. Taipei city buses and MRTs run 24 hours on the New Year Day. I love Taipei. Nothing can be more inspiring and uplifting to be part of the busiest city in the world. Kanai san loves Taipei that she will come join D67 Spring Convention in April in Taipei!

Eight (pronounced "fa") means prosperity in Cantonese. It is the favoirte number among Chinese. Year 2008 will certainly be prosperious and auspious for all in the world.