Ordinary Gweilo

Tonight is Mid-Autumn Festival. As an antidote to the curmudgeonly Fumier, I feel I must point out that it is actually a happy time of year, especially for children.

Where we live there is a fair amount of open space, and at Mid-Autumn festival hundreds of children gather here (with their parents and/or helpers) to celebrate. I have to say that the first time I saw this I was amazed by the number of children and the fact that they all have their lanterns and those light stick thingies. The noise is also quite something – not because people are shouting, but just because there are so many of them talking at the same time.

I can’t think of any equivalent in the UK. I suppose that Guy Fawkes Day might be a bit similar, but these days people are very concerned about the safety aspects, and either go to large-scale organized demonstrations or don’t bother at all.

Enjoy your Mid-Autumn festival, and don’t eat too many mooncakes!