Diwali

Its been loud around here recently....its Diwali. I won't even try to explain the history of Diwali, or why its celebrated ect. I do know that its a celebration of good triumphing over evil...and that they also call it a celebration of lights. There have been lots of great light decorations put up on people's homes (like Christmas lights in the US, only they're Diwali lights instead - which reminds me i need to buy some while they're in stores so i'll have them when Christmas rolls around...). I think its really pretty - all the lights, and i'm reminded again of how good this culture is at celebration! i LOVE it!

The other night Steph, Erin (Steph's friend who is in town) and I went over to Katie and Ollie's to watch all the fireworks from their roof (that's what the video is from - i wanted to give you an idea of noise - and the 360 degree fireworks). There aren't any "official fireworks displays" like we'd have in the US, people just buy fireworks and set them off. Its pretty - but its also loud. Many times over the past few days i've jumped cause of loud bangs ringing out nearby.

On our way over i picked up some sparklers (i've always loved sparklers...and they don't make a loud bang...which i also like...there was that one time my sister Danae grabbed the burning end of a sparkler when she was 3...that wasn't such a good sparkler memory). I got a package with "The little mermaid" on the outside - which i'm 98% sure has nothing to do with the product inside. There were also "Belle" sparklers from beauty and the beast, Hannah Montana fireworks and harry potter fireworks. Here are a few pictures to give you an idea...more to come.