In Full Bloom

konnichiha (pronounced as konnichiwa)

No, not me. That would be the magnificent cherry blossoms coating Tokyo right now. It is breath-taking; they are everywhere.

Cherry blossoms are to the Japanese what firecrackers are to Americans, or bluebonnets to Texans. But maybe even more so... Hanami is literally the tradition of looking at the cherry blossoms when they are in bloom which can last just a few days if there are strong winds or rain in the 10 day window each year that they bloom. They are quite delicate and even a mild wind and they will fall from the trees like snow.

People all around town have been lingering and congregating under the trees at lunch and breaks, smiling, laughing, taking pictures.

It's Friday night in Tokyo. Tomorrow morning I'll wake up bright and early, head to the fish market to check it out... then off to Ueno park to join the masses that will likely already be there. From what I understand, it is as if the entire country will be tailgating tomorrow, ear-marking their spots in the parks with blankets and spending the whole day drinking sake and gazing at the trees. And with them I plan to join! Here is a 'How To' for Hanami

I'm a bit in disbelief that My week in Japan is coinciding with this magical weekend here. There are literally 'Cherry Blossom Weather Reports' created each year because the days in which the trees bloom varies and rolls up the country from south to north as the temperature warms. Even the difference between yesterday and today is remarkable.

This page describing Hanami is great. It is all anyone talks about between meetings, walking to lunch, on the trains..

Of course I LOVE to partake in the quintessential 'things' of any destination. "When in Rome..." is the law that governs my travel. Even when it's silly or strange. Eat fish & chips in England? Gross, but check. Mehndi in New Delhi? Check. Surfing in San Sebastian? Check. Discothèque in Prague? Check. Bargain shopping in the markets of Chichicastenango? I'll take it. Topless in Juan-les-Pins? Check. Champagne on the Champ-du-Mars and baguettes and cheese on the Siene? Check & check, and repeat. Even absinthe in Barcelona.

But this... this one might take the cake. After this week, I'm considering it Karma.

Sayounara.
(8pm Friday night, Tokyo time)