2008 Macy's Parade

I am feeling really down lately. Won't discuss the personal issues here of course. But career wise, I have possibly reached all the milestones. Perhaps it is time for a job-change or at least a change in scenery. Life is essentially becoming a case of shadow and echo, and I am hard pressed to think of the next milestone that I should strive towards. I guess that is what makes life meaningful; always striving for the next milestone.

Since I am in NY for Thanksgiving, I attended the 2008 Macy's Parade. You might have already seen Macy's Parade on the TV. If you recall seeing some Parade with GIANT balloons of popular TV characters, that is the Macy's Parade.

Macy's parade started in 1924 when Macy's employees marched to Macy's flagship store on 34th Street in Manhattan dressed in vibrant costumes. At the end of the parade, Santa Claus was welcomed into Herald Square to symbolise the coming of Christmas. In 1927, the Parade began to feature big balloons which were breathtaking. And every year since, each Parade will feature a new character.

So, kicking off the parade is a couple of big Macy's balloons.

First to come is Smurf. Are they back in vogue, like Transformers and Polly Pockets?

Oh, forgot to mention. I think more than half a million people thronged the streets to see the parade. If you want to be right at the front row, you must start waiting in the cold, wintery morning at 6 am. The good thing about being infront is that you get to see not just the balloons close-up but also all the bands, performers and entertainers. Apparently, Hannah Montana was there. I went there at 9 am and I was stuck several rows back. I didn't mind, because if you are infront, your ears will freeze off since there is no one shielding you from the winter breeze.

Then a couple of pumpkins floated back.

Snoopy! WWI Fighter Pilot Snoopy. You can't see it but Snoopy's friend Woodstock was infront of Snoopy.

Look at the size of Snoopy. Think he is about to step on someone.

I have no idea what is the fish doing here. Sponsored by Sakae Sushi perhaps?

For the life of me, I forgot the name of this school girl TV character.

Energizer bunny. And then . . .

He turned around in circles and circles before moving off. Brilliant!

Sesame Street characters also appeared to say hi.

Big Hello Kitty. A lot of girls squealed in delight. Kitty looked good for her age.

Here comes Pikachu. This is one big Pokemon.

It looks like it is going to eat everyone.

Or summon his other Pokemon friends. Like the duck who just walks around looking stupid.

AARGH. I am going to eat everyone as revenge for making me so cute.

Old movie character - Captain Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story makes an appearance.

I hate this character. I seriously do.

I hope the wind catches him and tangles him up in electric wires to become spongebob fried pants.

Kermit. I miss the days of Muppets. The Count is my favourite character.

Big ugly ogre at 12 o'clock. I was disappointed that Donkey was not around.

And here comes my favourite balloon in the entire Macy's parade. The organisers actually saved this one for last.

Horton and the Whos!

Check out the flower that Horton is holding in his trunk. Horton looks happy. I wish I could be like Horton. Macy's Parade had been brilliant and these were just the balloons. Our Chingay could not even come close.