Finally we arrive at the end of the exhibition. Some children are singing a song which hangs on the wall: "Mo mo niu de tou, yi sheng bu fan chou, mo mo niu de jiao, hao shi zi lai zhao…" This song basically says that if you touch the different parts of an ox, you will enjoy different forms of good luck, such as love, family, friendship, etc. The children's lovely voices attract a watching foreigner; she obviously has no idea what the song is about, but she seems to be enjoying it very much.

I start a conversation with her and her Chinese friend, and discover that this is her first visit to China, and therefore her first Chinese New Year, but she is enjoying it very much. She spent New Year's Eve at her Chinese friend's home, eating dumplings and letting off fireworks. In addition, she too visited the Ritan temple fair yesterday, so we have both followed almost the same itinerary. She says that later in the holidays she may go to some of the other places of interest in Beijing.

On my way back home I am still immersed in an atmosphere of fun and high spirits. People on the subway are excitedly discussing where they will go tomorrow, and I too find myself wondering where the next two days will take me.

Nancy is a college student. She likes to explore Beijing and enjoys living in Beijing, although she’s a Beijinger.

(China.org.cn February 5, 2009)