Dragon Boat Festival

(Click on picture to see boats)

Today our family went to the dragon boat races in Tampa. The race and accompanying festival has grown significantly since the first one that was held two years ago. Along with dragon boat racing, there is an Asian festival with food stands, items for sale, and entertainment. The Branch and Blossom had fried rice and egg roll. I had Korean food and I didn't care for the kimchi (cold, spicy cabbage!). The fried dumplings, however, were heavenly.

We plan to take the Branch and Blossom each year. The weather is perfect this time of year and it's great to see other Asian families and families with adopted or mixed-race children.

Dragon Boat Racing dates back almost 2,000 years to the Chinese legend of Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan, after being exiled from the land he loved, threw himself in the Milou River. In an attempt to save him, local fishermen wildly beat their drums and splashed the water with their paddles to prevent water dragons and fish from eating his body. The modern Dragon Boat Race is based upon the reenactment of the race to save Qu from the water's terrors. (from Tampa Bay Dragon Boats.com)

Here is the Branch expressing interest in some other children's balloons. We did not know this family but the girl in the denim dress was kind enough to give the Branch her red balloon, which quickly got away from him. We were able to get Branch and Blossom their own balloons.