Millions around the world ring in 2011

KARACHI: As 2010 comes to a close and the clock ticks closer to 2011, cities across the world readied themselves to ring in the new year from traditional prayers in Japan while in Europe, many people revelled simply to forget the economic woes that saw Greece and Ireland needing financial bailouts and others, such as Spain and Portugal, hoping that the same fate will not befall their economies.

Traditionally the Spaniards eat 12 grapes for every minute till the countdown to the new year. Hopefully, those grapes should avoid the Spanish economy bailout.

More than a million revellers are expected to cram the streets around Times Square in New York to watch the traditional midnight ball drop leaving the 20-inch snowstorm that blanketed the city being just a memory, while 1.5 million will line the Sydney harbour, the first major city where the new year arrives.

Western influence has been seeping into Asian cities with indigenous celebrations to ring in the new year, while thousands in London will witness a musical and fireworks display at the 135-meter high London Eye that will chime in the new year. The Eye is celebrating its 10th anniversary and is located on the southern bank of the River Thames almost opposite the Big Ben.

Tens of thousands are expected to flock at the Champs Elysees in Paris and the area around the Eiffel Tower for a dazzling lights and fireworks display.

Although with not the same gusto and celebrations around the world, new year is also celebrated in Pakistan with people throwing small get-togethers and wishing each other well for the year to come.

We would like to leave our readers with the hope that while 2010 has had its share of killings, violence, suicide attacks and floods that wreaked havoc, it is hoped that 2011 will bode well for everyone.