The Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)

On of the most memorable moments of my life was my trip to Washington, DC and NY last March with my friend Nikki. I was going through a break up and I just needed some time to travel. We planned our trip hoping that we would make it to the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC. I'm alittle obssessed with the Cherry Blossoms=) They're one of my most favorite flowers. I was alittle worried that we'd miss it because the blooming can be unpredictable because of the weather. But we actually came just in time to see them in full bloom along the Potomac River. Let me tell you that it was an amazing sight! At first sight, the intensity is surprising. Standing in the midst of the blossoms falling everywhere is similiar to standing in falling snow.
The Cherry Blossom season is over too soon, but I think that is what makes it so special. Everyone stops to enjoy it because the blooms may be gone tomorrow. In Japan the Cherry Blossom (sakura) is a metaphor for life. A brief, brilliant blooming followed by the inevitable fall. The Westerners think about death and rebirth in the fall. The Japanese think about it in April. But instead of thinking about it, the Japanese celebrate with these festivals.


I missed my chance to go this year, but my friend Atsuko went back home to Japan last weekend and took these beautiful pictures. Maybe next year I can see them.