Today I went to a Purim celebration in Israel. Many people gave gifts of food and drink to others, showing their belief that they were saved. The Hebrew Bible tells that long ago King Ahasuerus planned to kill many Jews but was stopped be Mordecai and his daughter. People were dressed in beautiful costumes-anything from their god to the ninja turtles! There were many vendors that sold a traditional sweet pastry called Hamantascen. There was lots of music and dancing, and it was clearly a fun day for everyone! 
        During my stay, I met a man named Abrahem. He works in the diamond industry, which relys on imports of uncut diamonds, being that Israel lacks natural resources. He also told me that he pays a lot of income taxes, but does make a fair salary from his democratic country.
        Later I had to say Shalom, which means goodbye in hebrew, and headed to the airport for my next trip to Saudi Arabia. 
        

        I had a wonderful time in Jerusalem, so I am happy to say that this next trip to Saudi Arabia was definitely worth it! This next celebration, Eid al Fitr  included many events presented including comedy, heritage, and folklore programs. There were also other amusing and entertaining events were done too. This festival celebrates the the end of a fast after the fasting month of Ramadan. Everyone was dressed in new clothes and were eating traditional sweet dishes including Jalebi and Caramel Custard. 
        During the celebration, I met a man named Aalee. Aalee works in the oil industry. Oil is more than 95% of Saudi Arabia's exports and 70% of government revenue. Aalee doesn't pay much income tax, but doesn't make much money from the monarchical government either. 
        Later I had to say my goodbyes or مرحبا to Aalee and his family and headed to my final destination in Asia: China.
        

        I had great fun in Saudi Arabia, but am excited to attend a Chinese New Year celebration in Hong Kong. It celebrates the end of the chinese calendar and is often known as The Spring Festival. The color red is mainly shown to represent good fortune and joy. The people there are dressed in mainly red and yellow. Others may have dragon costumes on the are all decked out in red and yellow with sparkles. I was introduced to a new food called "Buddha's Delight", a vegetarian dish that is eaten only on the first day of the new year.     
        I met a man named Hong there as well. He invited me over for dinner and we got to know eachother. His house was very neat and organized to welcome the new yaer. Hong said that works in the electronic industry. He also told me that china is the world's largest market for computers as of 2011. China relys on oversea parts and capital goods. he told me that they did not pay that much of income taxes, but the people in china also dont make much income because the communist government own most everything in the country.  
    Time was flying and i said 再見 which means good bye in traditional chinese. I made my way to the airport and started my next journey.