Just wondered if anyone had some interesting celebrations for New Year they have encountered around the world.

I have encountered New Year in the UK on most occasions and enjoyed it in a pub which is always good fun if a bit predictable.

I had a slightly surreal New Year in Moldova one year where we gradually celebrated across Europe celebrating Midnight in Moscow, Midnight in Chisinau followed by Midnight in London. This was all done watching a slightly fuzzy black and white television. I think the fuzz was from the television although looking back on the traditional Moldovan vodka toasts it might have been the alcohol.

Another strange one was in Mexico. Having arrived from the UK the day before I would have been quite keen to have had an early night but the Mexicans and an infamous ex-volunteer Elliott Stollar had other ideas. We went to an organised party before beating a piñata which dropped sweets all over the floor. We then followed Mexican tradition and counted down the twelve rings of midnight whilst eating grapes.

- Ian Birbeck