"Hi, this is Shane Bigham, host of the Beijing Hour on China Radio International.
This will be my fourth Spring Festival in China! Growing up on the west coast in Canada, I was aware of Spring Festival, as the region has a large Chinese population, but I had never really experienced it.
I love to see the enthusiasm that the Chinese people have for this ancient tradition - the fireworks, the red envolopes - and of course, the food.
I've loved Chinese food since I was very young, though what we call Chinese food in the west is not quite the same, and maybe you wouldn't recognize all the dishes that I would identify as Chinese.
But I'm grateful to have had the opportunity I've had over the last three years to enjoy the cuisine, the culture, and all the new friends I've made. Xin Chun kuaile! Best wishes during the year of the Rooster!"
