Cherry Blossom Festival – Rejoicing Friendship!!

Gift of friendship

Everyone in this world celebrates most wonderful and loved relationship “Friendship” in the month of August. There can be no better reason to write about the gift of friendship to the people of United States from the people of Japan – 3020 Cherry Trees!! The Cherry Blossom Festival is the annual celebration of the enduring friendship between these two countries. This year the celebrations were quite emotive and had the sentiments of thousands attached, who came to express their support for the earthquake hit victims in Japan. 

Cherry Blossom Fireworks

We were in Washington DC (DC) to enjoy the nation’s biggest springtime celebration — Cherry Blossom Festival 2011. It has been celebrated for almost a century in US and reflects the respect for Japanese culture in the nation. These Cherry trees turn the Tidal Basin into a cloud of pink each spring for everyone to enjoy.

DC is best when explored on foot. It is tiring and quite chilly in the month of April. Nevertheless, the city acquires the ambrosial flavor of cherry trees planted in the Smithsonian area! It was the evening of April 2 and we were close to Jefferson memorial to witness the radiating fireworks show of the Cherry Blossom Festival. The most spectacular show I have seen, that totally captured the spirit of the festival.

Cherry Colored Fireworks

Bloom watch is the main reason for almost a million tourists to flock to the capital. We were there, just like thousands, to admire the blossoming cherry trees and attend events that herald the beginning of spring in the nation’s capital. And the view was truly amazing!! The view was serene!! The view was exquisite!!

Cherry Blossom - Pink Cloud

We walked and wandered, clicked pictures, admired the scenic view, enjoyed kettle corn.. All this and much more… Not realizing that we would need some energy for the 8 hour road trip back home. We left the state of Delaware at almost 9 pm. It was dark and raining. … I admit we had a tiring journey back home, with very little concentration to drive or to listen to music on deck so that we do not fall asleep. We halted at every service station in New York and Connecticut and took a 5 min nap on our way back.

All-in-all a fun festival that rejoices friendship, raves about beauty and rises for a cause  :)