Happy New Year

Dave, Jean and her mum and dad sat round the little square table playing "Ba Shi Fan" (80 points). It is one of the greatest card games in the world. It puzzled Dave greatly how it had not made it to England, EVERYONE in China seemed to know how to play it (and that's ALOT of people). Of cause Poker had not made it to China. The Chinese knew the word "Poker", but had took it to mean "Card Game". Hence "Da Poker" meant "Play a card game". Basically it's a game for four people, not more than four, not less. That slightly limits it, which is it's only drawback. That and it requires two packs of cards, complete with jokers. The four people split into two teams and play against each other, working together. It's very intense.

Suddenly some fireworks went off outside, interupting the flow of play. Dave was slightly annoyed. His annoyance turned to disbelieve when Jean's mum pulled out a firework and he suddenly realised what they were for.

'It's New Year's Eve? Midnight?'

How he could have completely forgotten about it was beyond him. Time kind of ceased to have meaning when he was in China. Everyday was Saturday. No work, no responsiblity. But still, he had just missed the Big Moment.

Jean's mum wanted Dave to hold the firework while she set it alight.

'Erm... no....'

When it seemed obvious that Dave didn't want this honour (some things don't require words), she took it to the window and held it herself. Thankfully it wasn't a rocket. It shot out several balls of fire, each one accompanied by a little scared-child-scream from Jean.

It was nice. "Happy NEW YEAR!" said Dave finally.

Now, "Da Pai!" (play cards).

They had a good night.