Hanami

Right now it is Sakura (cherry blossom) season...Possibly the most beautiful time in Japan. And the best thing about it is the Hanami (flower watching) parties. Most of the areas that have many sakura trees are strung with lanterns, and families and groups of friends come together under the cherry trees to have bbqs and picnics. It is so fun and lively. Everywhere you look people are drinking and laughing and really having a great time. It is like the first barbeque of the year, so everyone is just excited to be outside.

My friends and I got together for a picnic last Sunday night (the flowering trees really only last for a few days, so the key is to catch them at their height.) The location was so picturesque and stereo-typically "Japanese". The trees lined a stream filled with koi, the flowers were only beginning to fall, and the air was filled with the most delicate, lovely scent. If it weren't for those damn mosquitoes, I would have to say, this was the most perfect night of all my time in Japan. S and D made awesome Indian curry, Kiwi-boy and I brought our new specialty....Soba Noodles...M and N brought fresh Strawberries, snacks, and most importantly Chu-hi (cherry flavored of course.). We laughed, joked, drank, and I even wrote a haiku in Japanese (it was an assignment from my tutor.)

Sometimes, Japan can be so perfect....