IN FULL BLOOM

It was the perfect weekend to get out about. I planned to lounge all weekend, but once I see the sun, I just can't stay put. I love the outdoors, so I and my friend decided to head into Philly to see the cherry blossoms and some of the Sakura Festival taking place. It was quite interesting, a gay man ,and a straight man, going to this event, but my neighbor is way cool to do things with, so I knew being a tree trimmer/ tree expert he may enjoy the event. 

Whether it’s admiring the fragile pink blossoms of 1,000 cherry trees, participating in origami-making  or enjoying martial arts performances, the Cherry Blossom Festival in Philadelphia is the time to celebrate all things Japanese while enjoying the delights of spring. The centuries-old tradition of Sakura Matsuri, or Cherry Blossom Festival, takes place throughout Philadelphia with events that include ceremonial drumming, a traditional tea ceremony, dancing, live music, a fashion show and more. The best part is  admission to most events are free. “Sakura Sunday” concludes the festival today, a day-long celebration of Japanese culture and cherry blossoms held in West Fairmount Park.  And boy was it gorgeous.

 The Festival continues a legacy established in 1926 when the Japanese government donated cherry trees to Philadelphia in honor of the Sesquicentennial of American Independence. While there yesterday we saw a plethora of Japanese eats that's were served up, including curry bowls, takoyaki and gourmet chocolates, so be sure to show up hungry. It was interesting to read the history that Cherry blossoms have, deep significance in Japanese culture and are a traditional motif in art, literature and cuisine. As Japan’s national flower it is sometimes offered as a symbol of friendship to other nations. In traditional Japan, the time of ohanami, or viewing of the ephemeral cherry blossoms, was said to remind one of the fleeting yet enduring nature of life. I have some white ones currently at the Casa my good friend the Dame gave me. They really make spring.

 We later toured the  Shofuso Japanese House and Garden.

All the yaers I lived here I have never been to it. Shofuso is a traditional 17th century-style Japanese house and garden now located in Philadelphia's West Fairmount Park on the site of the Centennial Exposition of 1876. Shofuso was built in 1953 as a gift from Japan to American citizens, to symbolize post-war peace and friendship between the two countries.The building was constructed using traditional Japanese techniques and materials imported from Japan, and was originally exhibited in the courtyard of Museum of Modern Art in New York. After two years, it was relocated to Philadelphia. And I think we got a great treasure there. Had I known how accurate the place was, I may have donned my best Madame Butterfly ensemble for the day.

The koi pond was pretty cool and I was there 3/4 hour watching them.

They seemed very frisky, I have never seen them so active before. Do they usually jump like this???

Far as I know, no one was throwing in feed. I thought one was going to flop out of the pond for a minute.

The Cheery blossoms were very beautiful all day...and alas, will be done putting on their show soon before my other favorite blooms...the Magnolia. We walked around Old City some before going to dinner.

 The day ended at Rouge in Rittenhouse Square for a light bite , cock-a-tails and coffee.

It was a nice relaxing day. We certainly have a lot of treasures to be proud of here.