Chinese new year celebrations

It seems like one big celebration after another - a big excuse for binging under the guise of cultural festivities. I had some dim sum to celebrate but I went on my own.

Chinese new year this year fell on 29th january. It felt just like any other day - I think I worked on that day. Naomi  said she couldnt come to visit me till the 10th Feb so I decided to have my party on the 11th.  It was actually the penultimate day of the CNY so it wasnt  bad timing. Chap Goh mei as we called it in Malaysia.

I invited colleagues and Mark (and Anabel, his wife)  from undergrad days came too. I havent seen him for close to 15 years. It was fun.
They seemed to have enjoyed the food and liked the apartment. I made char siew, pineapple freid rice, okra with sambal, shitake mushrooms, veg curry, suffed aubergines, grilled drumsticks, kung po chicken and tofu. Peter who came is a vegan, Iain didnt eat chicken and Gian and nez are diabetic. It was not so easy. I also did pineapple and coconut ice cream and strawberry ice cream with the thermomix.

The next day naomi and I went to the celebrations held at Coventry City Centre’s Lower Precinct. Not a bad turn out. There was a dragon dance, a choy sang...all sorts of dances and kids performances.    photo from bbc coventry and warwickshire

I really didn't think  there was such a big Chinese community in Coventry. There is a Coventry & Warwickshire Chinese Community Association, Queens Road, CWCCA on 7623 0930.