After the fireworks

It's quiet today-no more war zone sounds as even the mini-CNY of Day 5 has subsided. Why the barrage of
fireworks seemed more intense on Day 5 than on Day 1 and constant-every hour, all night long.
Yesterday, Sunday, some of the neighborhood markets were opening up. The local grocery store, Suguo, seemed empty compared to the usual noontime rush. Some of my students said they would return this week although classes don't begin till the 23rd. It seems that the millions who left work and school between January 15-23 are now returning and slowly life in China will speed up and intensify again.
Last week one of my students brought a friend who had never had a conversation with a "foreigner" before. So she would think of a question and I would try to answer it. Stilted conversationbut a beginning. She loves the Beatles, dance music, hopes to become a translater in the US in the future. A great way to spend a few hours on a weekday afternoon.