When we bought our flat, we were told that communal celebrations would usually be held on the large patch of grass in front of our block. We didn't think very much of it as we thought it wouldn't occur that often. I mean, how many deities' birthdays and Hungry Ghost Festival can there be right?

However, we were proven wrong recently. First it was the birthday celebration of the King of Hades (if I'm not wrong). Paper incense was burnt regularly and the wind mercilessly carried the ashes into the house. Hence, we kept our windows shut tightly for those few days. Finally, on the last night of the celebration, they ended their celebration with a huge bang with a dinner and an auction. I must say they had some very powerful sound system that could bring the house down!

We thought we could finally have some peace and quiet this weekend, but our hearts sank when we saw a new tentage being set up the very next day. It was the Senior Citizen Club 20th Anniversary Celebration! Arghh... not again!!

They had lion dance, Hokkien karaoke sessions and loud jamming for two nights! We tried to get out of the house in the evening to avoid the noise, only to realise that there was nowhere we really wanted to go. Hence, instead of gallivanting aimlessly outside, we stayed at home and locked ourselves up in our room.

Well, the only comfort is that I'm a heavy sleeper, I can just round up the noise and I won't hear anything when I fall asleep. Thank God! = )

Lesson learnt. We shall be more discerning in our next house purchase.