Today the Chinese community celebrated the dawning of the Chinese New Year. Here in Paris, it was celebrated between Place d'Italie and the Porte de Choisy, in the 13th arrondissement with a colorful traditional and cultural parade featuring giant serpents, firecrackers, music, dance performances and traditional events took place in the heart of Parisian Chinatown.

I learned recently that during this week of new year in China, about 230 million people (more than the entire population of Brazil) take part in the world's biggest annual human migration, taking roads, boats, planes and trains to join family for the traditional New Year's Eve "reunion meal. For many, it's the only chance they get to visit home all year!