I visited home for the first part of spring break this year and luckily, Norooz was right at the time I was visiting. This year I got to spend Chaharshanbe Suri again with Ariana and her wonderful family at McNears Beach. It was great catching up with one of my favorite families and I hope I can spend Chaharshanbe Suri again with them next year! For more info on Chaharshanbe Suri and Norooz check out this website: http://www.iranchamber.com/culture/articles/festival_of_fire.php  Lots of tables and picnic blankets set up for family gatherings.  So much food!    Singers and dancers at the stage play Iranian pop.  Passing the time with a board game.  The whole town is out tonight!  Dancing starts early. May not look like a lot of people but when it gets dark the floor is packed!    Jumping over the small fires is my favorite part of the festival. As you jump over the flames, you are supposed to say, “Sorkhie tu az man, zardieh man az tu.” This means, “Give me your beautiful red color, my sickly yellow paleness is yours.”   The fire is purifying and is traditionally lighted before sunset and meant to continue on until sunrise.  Kids like to play soccer or do cartwheels on the field.  Our delicious dinner! Mine is joojeh chicken with tomatoes and onion on lavash. Ariana’s family friend got us our food from his restaurant.  We made several trips to the fire pits because Ariana kept getting cold.  The dance floor.  Went for a stroll out on the docks.  The view from the docks.  Waiting in line for rose ice cream. Line was too long so we decided to head back. Yummy cookies for the new year!