Day 6 highlights: Happy Chinese New Year Eve!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so full from all-you-can-eat dumplings I can't even move (in a good way). How did I spend my New Year's Eve? I spent the entire day outside enjoying the absolutely perfect weather, blue skies, and streets literally lined with flowers. Guangzhou is actually known for its flowers, lush greenery and parks and is therefore often referred to as "The Flower City". The bright flowers that line the streets smell wonderful and instantly put me in a happy cheerful mood. I just couldn't stop smiling today, and I'm pretty sure it was because of all the beautiful flowers. During the Chinese New Year Spring Festival, Chinese people in Guangzhou typically offer flowers and Kumquats as gifts, so there are flower markets (also selling the special red envelops ("Hongbao") and Kumquats) left and right. I am especially lucky to be here during the Spring Festival (just another name for the Chinese New Year) because I will have the opportunity to go to the flower fair (tomorrow) that only takes place during this special time. Anyways, back to today! I began today's outdoor adventure walking through Huizhu Square (another lush park) and then spent the next 7 hours walking all along the Pearl River greenway. Amazing! Stunning! Everyone was out exercising (jogging, tai chi, biking) - people of all ages (and almost everyone was wearing the color red for a lucky new year). I got so jealous of all the runners, so after the flower fair tomorrow I am going to go back to the greenway in my running gear and join the Pearl River running scene. I really cannot wait. I am exhausted now from all my walking and dumpling eating, so I am off to get my beauty sleep so that I am fresh for the New Year tomorrow. I freaking love this city! HAPPY YEAR OF THE MONKEY!!! XO
Huizhu Square
Pearl River Greenway walk
