CRI听力:Listen to our New Year messages: "Hi, this is Bob Jones from the UK."

"Hi – this is Bob Jones from the UK, a host of the Beijing Hour at China Radio International.

This is second time round for me to experience the Spring Festival, Lunar New Year here in China.

Last year I really didn't know what to expect  - and maybe that's what I have learned – you just never know what's going to happen next.

New year is literally an explosion of light and sound – I have never seen – or heard so many fireworks … starting well before midnight and going on into the early hours of the next morning.

It's a time full of tradition …  family and also about friendship – and because it's China – lots of fabulous food.

So goodbye – year of the Monkey – it's been great… wouldn't have missed it for the world.

And hello Year of the Rooster – as I understand it – it's all about singing, danging, entertaining and making new friends.

It's showtime…best foot forward and being fearless, And if last year is anything to go by – I can't even guess what's in store.

So – have a fantastic Chinese New Year."