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BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON April 18, 2015

Beyond "Gong Xi Fa Cai!" in Richmond, BC

Chinese New Year

Smiling faces and friendly greetings of “Gong Xi Fa Cai!” follow me as I stroll through the bustling Asian shopping extravaganza. Here at Aberdeen Centre, hundreds of Chinese lanterns hang high overhead. Everywhere I look, a sea of red and gold, lucky colors in Chinese culture, light up storefronts in dazzling vendor displays. Packages of red envelopes, gold-foiled candies and small stuffed rams line the tables from end to end. The scent of fresh flowers and fruit fill the market mall. Meanwhile, the promise of exuberant lion dances express the joyous spirit of revelers on the scene. The celebration of China’s longest and most important holiday appears well underway even though the official kickoff is still days away.

Annually the holiday occurs between the end of January and February, with a variable start date, based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Closely connected to the Chinese Zodiac, each year features one of twelve animal signs that rotate in a twelve-year cycle. 2015 celebrates “Year of the Sheep,” or “Goat” or “Ram,” depending on the translation.

Whether you wish another person “Gong Xi Fa Cai” in Mandarin or “Gong Hey Fat Choy” in Cantonese, each expresses the same sentiment: “Wishing you great happiness and prosperity!” Translating the English version, “Happy New Year,” into Chinese becomes, “Xin Nian Kuai Le,” or “New Year Happy.” It’s a time for leaving the old year behind, symbolized in ritual house cleaning, in eager anticipation of new beginnings, a sweeping away of the past for the promise of what lies ahead.

Tastes of Asia in Richmond, BC

On the restaurant scene, delectable dining menus feature “lucky foods,” tokens of good luck, longevity and prosperity: a whole squab for wholeness with family (the head and tail for good beginnings and good endings), fish and dumplings for money, tongue for ease, oysters for good business and long noodles for longevity. But with menu names like “Beautiful Family Happy Days,” often the real adventure lies in discovering exactly what foods comprise the dish. Visits to the Richmond Public Market and Osaka Grocery Store at Yaohan Center shed some of the mystery by offering a peek at Asian meal ingredients and an authentic Asian food court.

Chinese Calligraphy

Sixty percent of the local population in Richmond, British Columbia is of Asian, predominantly Chinese, descent. Little wonder then that Chinese New Year has become a favorite annual festival in this once-sleepy Vancouver suburb. But a visit to Richmond, B.C. reveals the region’s diverse cultural traditions beyond celebrating Asia’s lunar holiday.

Lingyen Mountain Temple

For starters, visit Richmond’s No. 5 road, better known as “Highway to Heaven,” to see how residents of different religious faiths and spiritual practices co-exist peacefully. Mosques, temples and churches encourage visitors for guided tours, special events, lectures, celebrations and art exhibits. Our Richmond stay includes a brief stop at the Buddhist Ling Yen Mountain Temple, home to 10,000 worshippers. Welcomed with a cup of fragrant Asian tea upon arrival, we next tour the Chinese palatial-style temple and hibernating garden grounds while sounds of chanting surround us, creating a calm and peaceful presence on our walk.

Tea Ceremony

To gain further insight into the diverse cultures of local inhabitants, visitors can attend a tea ceremony, explore a traditional Chinese medicine shop or browse the two-dollar Japanese bargain store, Daiso, all at the Aberdeen Centre. And with summer on the horizon, why not extend your cultural explorations at the area’s two Asian Night Markets, a stunning array of vendors serving sweet and savory dishes, together with live entertainment and performances.

For more information, visit:

Tourism Richmond
Four Points by Sheraton Vancouver Airport
Ling Yen Mountain Temple
Golden Paramount Seafood Restaurant
Lulu Island Winery
Bushuair Restaurant
Chef Tony Seafood Restaurant
Richmond Public Market
Yaohan Centre
Aberdeen Centre
Uncle Lu

Many thanks to my host, Tourism Richmond, for this glimpse into the cultural wonders of the region!

Richmond, BC

Wander on!

Nancy

What about you, wanderboomers? What’s your favorite way to discover a new region through its cultural traditions?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Baby Boomers and Travel, British Columbia, Culture, Holidays Tagged With: Chinese New Year, Gong Hey Fat Choy, Gong Xi Fa Cai, Happy New Year, Highway to Heaven, Richmond BC

BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON December 18, 2014

Ring in the New Year in Rio!

New Year's Eve in Rio

(photo courtesy of flickr – Leandro Neumann Ciuffo, Rèveillon 2013 – Copacabana – Rio de Janeiro)

So, how do the Cariocas (as Rio’s fun-loving city inhabitants call themselves) ring in the New Year in Rio? Let’s take a look . . .

Fireworks

As with many cultures, the start of the New Year in Brazil represents a time of renewal, a fresh start and hope for the future. In Rio, the biggest celebration takes place on Copacabana Beach where millions of partygoers flock to the shore to watch the midnight fireworks display set from ocean barges. Meanwhile a steady samba beat fills the sultry summer evening air.

Cultural Traditions

New Year’s in Rio honors the city’s rich cultural heritage. For starters, revelers wear all white clothing to symbolize a cleansing of the past and a welcoming nod to the New Year. But to attract a certain kind of luck, many add accent colors, too, each with its own symbolism: red, to attract love and romance; green, for good health; and yellow for prosperity.

Another popular New Year’s tradition comes from Candomblé, Rio’s Afro-Brazilian religion. In this ritual, celebrants cast white flowers, floating candles and toy wooden boats with small gifts into the ocean as offerings to Yemanja, Queen of the Seas. Believers say that if your tokens return to you, your wishes will not be granted, though nothing prevents you from trying again.

Just after midnight, merrymakers jump into the ocean to skip over seven different waves, making seven different wishes to Yemanja for the New Year. But legend says that if you turn your back while going back to shore, your wishes will not come true.

Food

Naturally, Rio’s New Year festivities include favorite Brazilian foods for good luck, like lentils, pork and fish accompanied by the pop of champagne to bring in the New Year. And where does chocolate fit in, I wonder . . . ?

Rio NYE

(photo courtesy of flickr – Leandro Neumann Ciuffo, Rèveillon 2013 – Rio de Janeiro)

Feliz Ano Novo, wanderboomers!

Wander on!

Nancy

Have you ever celebrated New Year’s in Rio, wanderboomers? Where’s your favorite place to ring in the New Year?

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Activities, Brazil, Culture, Holidays Tagged With: Candomblé, Copacabana Beach, Feliz Ano Novo, New Year, Rio, Yemanja

BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON July 4, 2014

Happy 4th of July 2014!

Seattle Center 4th of July 2014

Land of the free . . . Home of the brave . . . In a day marked by BBQs, fireworks and John Philip Sousa tunes, 431 people from 70 nations were honored today as new citizens of the United States in Seattle.  The oldest candidate to be sworn in at Seattle Center’s 30th Annual Naturalization Ceremony was Korean-born Mr. Kyung Ku Lee, age 80.

U.S. American Flag Seattle Center House

For all the years I’ve lived in Seattle, this was the first time I have attended the event. Now I’m wondering what took me so long. What better way to spend Independence Day than welcoming our country’s newest citizens? The celebration included festive music by the Greenwood Concert Band and performances from native Americans and the Total Experience Gospel Choir, reminding me of our country’s strength in diversity.

Maria Mueller and WA State Senator Maria Cantwell

As I listened to the speeches from local dignitaries, my mind wandered, wondering about the individual journeys that each of the 431 individuals had taken to U.S. citizenship. Not to mention the Naturalization Test that each had to pass to get here.

30th Annual Naturalization Ceremony Seattle Center

Did you know that there are 100 civics (history and government) questions for the Naturalization Test? And that to pass the civics test, an applicant has to answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly in an oral test conducted by a USCIS Officer? The USCIS Officer can ask up to 10 questions, but of course applicants have to know the answers to all 100 questions. Here are a few examples. Let’s see how you do (and no fair scrolling down for the answers):

1) How many amendments does the Constitution have?

2) How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

3) Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?

4) What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?

5) The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers. Okay, here’s an easy  one:

6) When do we celebrate Independence Day?

Happy 4th of July, wanderboomers! Oops – hope I didn’t give anything anyway . . .

Now for the (rest of) the answers:

1) 27

2) 9

3) John Roberts

4) give up loyalty to other countries, defend the Constitution and laws of the United States, obey the laws of the United States, serve in the U.S. military (if needed), serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed), be loyal to the United States

5) (James) Madison, (Alexander) Hamilton, (John) Jay, Publius

6) Today, of course!

Be Bold and Wander On!

Nancy

U.S. American Flag Plover Ferry

How do you celebrate Independence Day, wanderboomers?

Filed Under: Holidays Tagged With: 4th of July, BBQ, fireworks, Independence Day, John Philip Sousa, Naturalization Test

BY Nancy Mueller 2 Comments ON March 17, 2014

10 Fun Ways Boomers Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!

Irish Flowers

Here are 10 fun ways boomers celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th. Why? Because everyone knows you don’t have to be Irish to have fun on St. Patrick’s Day (though it helps). On March 17th, everyone with a spirit of play are honorary Irish folk whatever your family name.

#1 – Form Your Own St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Round up your usual neighborhood suspects, pick up a flute, a fiddle and some pipes, and off you go!

#2 – Play a Few Irish Tunes.

Plug into Pandora or iTunes to listen to soothing Irish lullabies and happy melodies.

#3 – Stage a Reading of Your Favorite Irish Authors and Poets.

100 Years of Irish Poetry

Invite your Irish-loving friends over to share their favorite poems or writings from the Land of Leprechauns. Revel in the lyrical beauty of such Irish poets as William Butler Yeats, Seamus Heaney and the writings of James Joyce.

#4 – Prepare Your Favorite Irish Dishes.

You can’t go wrong with corned beef & cabbage, shepherd’s pie, Irish stew, colcannon (cabbage and mashed potatoes) and soda bread. And let’s not forget dessert. My new favorite? Chocolate Stout Cupcakes. They had me at chocolate and Guinness.

#5 – Raise the Irish Flag.

Irish Flag

In honor of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, hoist the tri-colored Irish flag. The flag symbolizes the hope for peace (white) between the native people of Ireland in the South, most of whom are Roman Catholic (green) and the British supporters of William of Orange in the North, most of whom are Protestant (orange).

#6 – Stop By Your Favorite Pub for a Pint or Two.

Order a Guinness, a Black & Tan or a shot of Irish whiskey before settling in to listen to a few yarns from the locals.

#7 – Take a Heritage Tour to Ireland.

A visit to Ireland is still on my bucket list. And one of these St. Patrick’s Days, I’m going to hop on a plane to visit the home of my great-grandmother who immigrated to the United States.

#8 – Look for Leprechauns.

Leprechaun

Leprechauns are out and about if you just know where to look for them. Typically found in Ireland, of course, I have it on the best authority (my own) that these wee creatures make special appearances all over the world on St. Patrick’s Day. Just follow the leprechaun’s footprints to his pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

#9 – Go Step-Dancing.

For inspiration, look no further than River Dance. Before you know, you’ll be on your feet trying to do the same. Good luck with that!

#10 – Whatever Else You Do, Wear Green!

And whatever you do, avoid wearing orange unless you want a mild pinch. St. Patrick is a Catholic saint, so wearin’ of the green symbolizes your support of his special day.

May the road rise up to meet you . . .

Wander on!

Nancy

What’s your favorite St. Patrick’s Day tradition, wanderboomers? Please share with us here.

Filed Under: Activities, Culture, Food & Dining, Holidays, Ireland Tagged With: black & tan, boomers, green, Guinness, Ireland, Irish, Irish dishes, leprechaun, St. Patrick's Day, whiskey

BY Nancy Mueller 2 Comments ON February 14, 2014

Photo Friday: Happy Valentine’s Day!

Dry Hollow Vineyards The Dalles

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I like the premise of actress Drew Barrymore’s new book, Find It in Everything, her collection of heart-themed photos from sightings in everyday life, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Wherever there are hearts, can love be far behind?

Gulf Shores Gulls

Today when we celebrate the Valentines in our lives,  where will your heart take you? To memories of travels past, like singer Tony Bennett who croons how he left his heart in San Francisco?

 Or towards future travels of Leaving on a Jet Plane, like Frank Sinatra whose vagabond shoes long to stray in the heart of New York, New York?

Maybe Carolina’s on your mind . . .  or you’re ready to be Homeward Bound.

Maybe all of the above . . .

Where do your traveling hearts take you today, Wanderboomers?

Wander on!

Nancy

For more fun Friday photos, check out Delicious Baby.

Thanks to sponsors, The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce and Gulf Shores & Orange Beach for hosting.

Filed Under: Destinations, Holidays Tagged With: Dry Hollow Vineyard, Frank Sinatra, Gulf Shores, Happy Valentine's Day, heart, Homeward Bound, Leaving on a Jet Plane, New York, San Francisco, Tony Bennett, Valentine's Day

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Hello fellow wanderboomers! I’m a Seattle-based travel journalist, specializing in fun travel adventures for the young at heart. My articles have been featured in Hemispheres, AAA Highroads Magazine and Northwest Travel & Life Magazine where I'm a frequent contributor. When this Wanderboomer isn’t traveling, I help global executives polish their personal and professional brand for long-term results.
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