As many people probably already know, viewing cherry blossoms (hanami) is a big part of Japanese culture in the spring. About a month ago, I took a trip to Tokyo, mostly for that purpose. I went to Ueno Park first, which is one of the most famous places for cherry blossoms in Japan. The trees were a little past their peak blooming, but it was still very beautiful. The park was extremely crowded, which can get annoying, but the cultural experience was definitely worth it. In one of the pictures, you can see blue tarps laid out on the ground; those are spots that are reserved for groups coming later to have a hanami party. I'm told that there are people who are paid just to stay in an area and protect it for the people who will come later in the day; I did see some people who seemed to be doing that. I walked down the main avenue where a large number of the biggest trees are, around the edge of the park, and then through the area that has a large pond with lilies in the summer. Guests that have visited me, you should remember the location of the panorama picture I'm including, but imagine the pond full of lilies, and it might look more familiar-in March there are still just brown stalks. (Paula, remember the spot in the park where you kept saying, "OK, no more
pictures. OH! That's beautiful! One more picture. OK, no more pictures! Ooh, that's beautiful -- one more . . . . . ")I'll continue the trip next time...
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