Aftermath

In China when a new store opens, a couple is married, or someone takes a breath, the citizenry will bless the event with a fireworks display (more accurately, the set off lots of dynamite). They believe here that setting off a gargantuan pile of M-80's will bring customers to their store, or ensure a happy marriage. When I first moved to China, I woke up one morning thinking that a nearby building was being imploded. I looked out of my 20th floor window trying to see the building come down. Alas, all I found was yet another DVD shop.

In case you don't believe me when I say "gargantuan", see the pic below of what the store looks like after a roll of 150,000 firecrackers goes off.