Happy New Year 2009 in Austin

I always wanted to blog about all the special events and travelling I had while I stayed in US recently. All the fond memories and experiences in US will always hold a very dearly space in the corner of my heart.

I still remember that we were very excited to celebrate our 1st New Year in the States..specifically in Austin, Texas.
The night of 31th December 2008, we went to the Congress Avenue in Austin, where everyone in town gathered on the bridge downtown to celebrate New Year 2009.

That winter night was very windy and freezing cold at 0C, but everyone is hot and excited in the hearts, taking parts in all the activities while waiting for the countdown and New Year Fireworks on the river.

Snake-car @Congress Avenue Bridge, Austin on New Year's Eve

Everyone is greeting each other, happy smiles, singing & dancing can be seen everywhere.. and people are giving each other loving bear hugs and kisses! That's so warm and touching, something that we seldom see in Asia or will be consider as 'pok mong' and might get a hard slap in the face...!

@ Downtown Austin on New Year Eve night..

We kept on walking to keep ourselves warm in the freaking cold winter night at the same time enjoying the New Year Eve celebration :)
Austin is just so so beautiful ..

There is this Chinese Orchestra performing Chinese songs for New Year Eve. While enjoying the performance, it made me missed home.. how's everyone doing back there?

Austin Chinese Club Orchestra

Walking thru the street aisle, I saw this very special decoration where people fold their paper cranes for a wish in heart, shining beautifully, warming our hearts thru the dark freezing night..

One Thousand Paper Cranes

And we bought our last cup of Starbucks coffee for 2008 beside Sheraton Hotel end of the street, breathing some warmth beside the nice fireplace.

My last Starbucks of 2008

Thank God for the fireplace...

About time for 2009 Countdown, we quickly rush to the bridge to book the best spot to watch the fireworks station on the river.. the bridge is flooded with people, all packed together..and the night don't seem to be that cold anymore as everyone is happy and jumping around, looking forward to year 2009..

Everyone is ready with their cameras in hand, preparing for the night of history... '10! 9! 8! 7! 6! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1!!!! Yeahhh!!!! Happy New Year!!!' and our ears are bombarded with the thundering sounds of beautiful fireworks of 2009..

The 2009 fireworks is so enchanting and fascinating! It is one of the best fireworks I have watched..

Happy New Year 2009, Austin.. ;)