Happy New Year of the DRAGON !

Happy New Year of the Dragon !

Happy Chinese New Year !

or

xīn nián kuài lè !

(Happy New Year in mandarin)

or

gōng xǐ fā cái

(congratulations and be prosperous)

 
The Dragon is the most powerful sign of the Chinese zodiac. So I wish this will be a very happy, lucky, healthy, successful and prosperous year for all of us! Actually the Year of the Dragon starts today. Today, January 23rd 2012 is the first day of the New Dragon Year!

This photo was taken over Chinese New Year weekend in Bangkok, near Chinatown (for more pics see my Bangkok blog). And I am so excited. I am planning a trip to Beijing next month. I am looking forward to practise my new photo skills ;-) At the moment, I am learning how to use my heavy camera. Also I am saying farewell to another dear friend and family who is moving back to Europe after almost seven years in Beijing. It's the bad air quality that makes them even look forward to their move. I will be able to report from site soon.

Beijing Air is not healthy and where to get regular updates about Beijing Air Quality

I used to check the government website for air quality here. It provides daily the Air Pollution Index (API) and corresponding grade for about 85 Chinese cities.

But when you live in Beijing you would be interested in getting this information updated more regularly throughout the day. Especially, if you want to go for outdoor activities, you better check the air quality as the air is really bad in winter. Today early afternoon, the API was over 400! Now, 11pm it is down to 107.

You can find the information via www.bjair.info

actual information and overview throughout the day

Be an artist and add to the installation of Mo Yi at the Opposite House

During these cold winter days in Beijing, you might come along the streets of Sanlitun. And when the icy wind makes you shiver, stop by The Opposite House - the boutique hotel with the green glass front - for a hot tea or a tasty lunch - and for some fun creativity.

The Opposite House is hosting an installation of Mo Yi (see press release below) and is inviting guests to interact. Get your eyes photographed and think about issues related to sight. Write it around your photo in your language and let it be part of the growing installation. - You will also get a copy as a souvenir to take home.

You can be an artist while in Beijing.

This reminds me of a quote of the German provocateur artist Joseph Beuys: " Jeder Mensch ein Kuenstler" - everyone (is) an artist - meaning, that everyone can be creative and reflecting . It does not take much - and it makes the world a better place.

The installation will be running until December 31st 2011. The interactive session is from 11.00am to 2.00pm daily in the atrium of The Opposite House, Beijing. The photographer will be taking photo of the guests and adding the new photos to the installation.

Hong Kong: Handbags by Bez & Oho

Bez & Oho online Boutique

The internet is a great place to discover new things - and that's why we all love it!

Today I found Bez & Oho in Hong Kong via Nicely Made in China. And you do not need to be in Hong Kong to see their colourful handbags made of receycled rice bags. They sell online.

Shanghai: HGTV needs Relocation Expert

Dear Readers,

After my last post about HGTV calling for casting here is another urgent request from the HGTV production team. For the HGTV show going to be produced in Shanghai they need a local relocation expert who is fluent in English.