Vanilla Fudge Sundae and Gunpowder Sprinkles

Wait one hot New York minute. What the f is this?

That’s what I wanted to say after standing outside in the cold for 3 hours and realising that the sad little sparks flying off along the Bund were as good as it was going to get. I realise Macy’s isn’t spending millions of $$ to put on a show that the most hard-to-please people in America are going to get hectic to watch, but for several reasons, I expected a much better fireworks display last night:

1. It’s Spring Festival, the biggest holiday in the most populated country in the world; where children get one month off from school; where no amount of money will convince migrant workers to stay in the factories; where absolutely every one of the billion plus population will observe. Think Christmas with the Falwells.

2. It’s China; they are busting ass to get their good sides on tv screens across the First World.

3. It’s SHANGHAI! People have MONEY here! And they care about looking good!

4. Considering how easy it is to buy firecrackers and how families will set them off on sidewalks throughout the city, wouldn’t you think the fireworks along the most famous strip in Shanghai would try a little harder?

Maybe it’s not about the tourist dollars. Maybe it’s about family.

Click here to listen to the sound of gum being snapped watch the fireworks along the Bund.