Sunday, April 30, 2006

Golden Week

It is my understanding that the people here in Japan do not take very many vacation days throughout the year. There are not very many holidays either. From school to work the Japanese people work hard, longs days with very little time off. This week is Golden Week, a week of holidays. Most of the people in Japan take off this entire week or at least the majority of the days. Everywhere you go, there are crowds of people. It is almost impossible to get a flight or a train ticket. Parks are full of picnicers, there are festivals in every city. The entire country is relaxed and happy. Truly a Golden Week.

Where I live in Northern Japan, this week coincides with the first signs of spring, and the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms. One of the things that Japan is most famous for is their cherry trees. Did you know that the famous cherry trees in Wasington DC where a gift from Japan? This will be my last Golden Week, my last Cherry Blossom Festivals, and I am a bit sad. Here are some photos of the festivals we have been to during our time here in Japan. We haven't as of yet decided where we are going for our final Cherry Blossom Festival, but I will be sure to let you know.

Our first year, May 2003. Lily is in my belly. Mandy is 12 and I am still a bit taller than her. This is Hirosake, Japan the most famous Cherry Blossom fesitival in our Prefecture, (State).









Our second year, May 2004. Mandy opted to stay at home, she was 13. Lily was about 9 months old. This is a local park about 10 minutes from our home, we were pleasantly surprised by how wonderful and beautiful it was/is.









Our third year, May 2005. We spent a whirlwind weekend going with our friends to two different festivals, one Saturday and one Sunday. Both days were beautiful and both parks were a blast.



















We may yet see some spring here in Misawa. My hopes are up!!!

3 comments:

laura capello said...

I'm normally not a bossy person, but...

You HAVE to go to the last cherry tree festival! When else are you going to live in Japan and have such an opportunity?

Go, go! You should go. Really. Take the memories while you can.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous photos. It's still wintry here, no blossoms or even leaves in sight, and it's nice to see spring!

Anonymous said...

those are stunning photos! and, yes! you have to go. really!!