Cake and Glory

Last night was San Francisco's Chinese New Year Parade, one of the biggest celebrations of its kind outside of Asia, and an event that has been taking place since just after the Gold Rush. Tens of thousands of people generally crowd Union Sq and Chinatown to watch the floats and dragon dancers wind through the streets, culminating two weeks of firecrackers, carnivals, and other festivities.

Another of the great San Francisco events takes place during this parade: the annual Chinese New Year Treasure Hunt. I'd heard of this for several years but somehow always missed it, until I finally got my act together in 2004 and organized a team to join the Hunt. It's put on by a former P.I. and San Francisco lover who also happens to be a big film noir buff. You're provided with a map of the city, a street index, and a cluesheet with 15-20 clues that, when solved correctly, lead you all over the Financial District, North Beach and Chinatown, seeking random signs, obscure plaques, and interesting architectural details in the backalleys and hidden sidestreets of The City.

It's always a great time and the rules state that your team has to stay together and track down all the answers on foot, returning the answer sheets by 9pm. The clues are never easy, and navigating the streets and alleys can be challenging in the dark, especially if you must cross paths with the parade and accompanying crowds. I've put together a team for each of the past 4 years at the Beginners level, but never came in higher than 12th place (out of more than 100 teams). The prize for winning is merely a cake, some champagne, and the glory of bragging rights -- proceeds go to local charities, and the fun is in the pursuit.

So I rounded up another ragtag team of people this year, but bumped us up to the Regular level of difficulty. The weather forecasts predicted torrential rains and gale force winds. Fortunately, aside from an occasional downpour, the weather wasn't too miserable and everyone braved the elements to huddle over the cluesheets, map out our route, and strike out into the night armed with headlamps and flashlights.

And guess what? We came in 2nd place!! Having answered all of our clues correctly, we arrived a full 20 minutes ahead of the next placed team.

It might not seem like much, but believe me when I tell you it's a big deal (to me). We took our cake and bottle of champagne and shared the sweet wet glory of victory behind the Ferry Building, the glimmering lights of the Bay Bridge arching into the distance.

Hooray Rat Bastards*! You guys** are the best.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

* It's the year of the Rat. Team names are traditionally related to the appropriate lunar zodiac animal.

** Nichole, Dustin, Seth, Josh, Beth & Adam