One of my most memorable Chinese New Years was spent on Hong Kong's harbour sharing a private junk with friends. The firework display was pretty impressive, after all, the Chinese did invent them. Almost as impressive were the neon decorations on the surrounding skyscrapers. Curling dragons, kaleidoscopes of changing colours and elaborate good-luck patterns which lit up the mutli-storey buildings. This time around, as we enter the year of the dragon, I imagine there will be the odd giant-sized dragon adorning the tower blocks.
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Chinese New Year's Day is on Monday January 23 but the celebrations will go on all month. 2012 will be the year of the dragon. Anyone born in the year of the dragon is somewhat of a free spirit who are confident and fearless in the face of a challenge. Dragons are a symbol of good fortune and they are almost inevitably successful so we suspect they will encounter the odd luxury destination or two. |
But what about the rest of us? Where does your Chinese zodiac sign suggest you go in the luxury travel year ahead? Legend has it that all the animals in creation were summoned by Buddha one New Year's Day. Only 12 animals turned up, and to each Buddha gave a year which would bear its name. This is the kind of luxury traveller each animal is.
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Dragon: charismatic, colourful , brave, dislike routine, like attention.
Birth years for the dragon zodiac sign: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
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Snake: high principles, sophisticated and charming, thirsty for knowledge
Birth Years for the Snake Zodiac Sign: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
Horse: confident, proud, witty, outgoing, attractive to the opposite sex
Birth Years for the Horse Zodiac Sign: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
Sheep: sensitive, creative, thoughtful, cultured Can be eccentric.
Birth Years for the Sheep Zodiac Sign: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
Ideal destination: A sheep might enjoy some hotels with a twist such as the eccentric ; Mason Moschino, Italy, The Cullen, Melbourne or perhaps one of the ever burgeoning choice of fashion hotels.
Monkey: confident, popular, imaginative, free spirit
Birth Years for the Monkey Zodiac Sign: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
Rooster: brave, enthusiastic, intelligent, hardworking, demand the best
Birth Years for the Rooster Zodiac Sign: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
Dog: honest, loyal, optimistic, happy
Birth Years for the Dog Zodiac Sign: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
Ideal destination: A beach destination would suit this sunny character. Try Borocay, Philippines or stay at Soneva Fushi, Maldives or Nam Hai, Vietnam
Pig: kind and thoughtful, down to earth, friendly.
Birth years for the pig zodiac sign: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
Rabbit: very sensitive. Principled, honourable, kind.
Birth years for the rabbit zodiac sign: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999
Rat: charming, determined and ambitious, intelligence, goal oriented.
Birth Years for the pig zodiac sign: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996
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Ox: calm, patient, reliable and loyal. Often have a small but solid circle of friends.
Birth years for the ox zodiac sign: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997
Ideal destination: Bali or a private villa anywhere as long as it is with with just a few close friends |
Tiger: warm and loving. Passionate about life, impetuous.
Birth years for the tiger zodiac sign: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998
Ideal destination: Somewhere with a passionate Latino vibe. Buenos Aires is a perfect city. For adventure try Guatemala or Mexico
Anne Paris, Updated 21/1/12 |
