The Year of the Rabbit

Last Thursday I went to the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Downtown Chinatown to see the New Years Lantern Viewing.  It was a cold crisp night and the event was completely sold out - though somehow my business partner Erin found a last minute ticket...it's good to have friends!  She was smart enough to get there early and set up a tripod, while I arrived late - rushed through the crowd and nuzzled my way into a nook in front of two awe-inspired children.  They cooed and pointed as a colorfully lit dragon was carried out and gracefully twirled around the stage like a magical puppet.  After the dancing dragon finished and the beating drums went silent, the garden cleared out and we stayed behind to take photos in the quiet of the night.  We photographed the 100 beautifully illuminated hanging red lanterns and the 200 floating lanterns in Lake Zither until the garden closed.  Here are some of my favorite shots from the night:

2011 is the Year of the Rabbit, a symbol of luck.  So best of luck to all in this coming year!  Check out the next event this month at the garden, Thursday February 24th @ 12 pm, The National College of Natural Medicine Lecture Series:  The Spleen and the Snake (free with admission) Chin Chin!