Luckily, we live in a neighborhood where mom-n-pop grocery stores still thrive and we're within walking distance to a super Chinese grocery store, New May Wah. I was so pleased to see displays upon displays of Chinese moon cakes at New May Wah! And this reminded me to check out Golden Gate Bakery in Chinatown as we prepare to celebrate the Autumn Moon Festival.... a friend forwarded this article to us a few years ago and we have yet to run there for their delectable cakes. This year, I am ready to stand in line!
Posted October 8, 2007 --
Once upon a time, there was a tyrannical ruler, Hou Yi, who won the elixir of immortality for shooting nine suns out of the sky. But his wife, Chang Er, knew that the people would live in misery if Hou Yi lived forever. So she stole the elixir and drank it. The potion made her lighter, and she floated up to the moon. Hou Yi loved his wife so much that he didn't shoot down the moon, and there she lives to this day...
We went to the 17th Annual Celebration of the City's Autumn Moon Festival. It was fantastic! Grant Avenue was a pedestrian-only bazaar for blocks and blocks. The street was packed, loud, festive, joyous, and filled with entertainment. We listened to bad karaoke, and watched musicians play traditional instruments and discovered that we _really_ enjoy classical Chinese music. We chased the lions as they paraded down the street and threw poppers at the ground. We were deafened by the drumming and clashing of cymbals, and we can't wait to do it again next year!
M with the Moon Goddess and an unknown (at least, to us) Chinese character 
There was Chinese music everywhere we walked. This old man was playing Old MacDonald on his erhu.
A Chinese music school performing. Talk about talent.
A guzheng ensemble. Brilliant! Here is an interesting site to learn more about these traditional Chinese instruments.
We spent some time at an exhibit on lanterns.
Lantern shaped like a lotus.
Gorgeous decorations, but I bet they get dusty! LOL
Here we are, chasing the pair of lions up and down Grant Avenue...
The grand finale - the Dragon Parade! It was LOUD.
Ahhh, we're surrounded by the dragon! It happened so suddenly - the dragon turned around, and we happened to be standing in the middle of the street. It was SO cool, and a little bit surreal with the BANGING AND CLANGING ALL AROUND US! NO, I'M NOT YELLING!! 
That evening, we lit up the lantern we bought at the festival and M paraded down our street in his pajamas. Just like what my brothers and I did when we were young :)
M's lotus flower lantern. The lotus flower in Chinese philosophy and religion is a symbol of peace, tranquility and purity. As we walked away, the lady who sold us the lantern told me quietly that M was a special child. She said that children don't normally pick a lotus pattern, and those who do, are enlightened. I thought that was very sweet. :)
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