Cherry Blossom Festival

Watch this video of the Taiko Drumming...

This past Sunday, Tim and I took a drive into the city to check out the Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. (See a nice little slide show of it here...) It was such a beautiful day that everyone in the city decided to come, too! Isn't that nice?!? Anyway, I've never seen so many cherry trees all in one place before - it was amazing. And with all the other Japanese cultural activities going on (such as performers, costume shows, games, florists, crazy foods, storytellers, and craftsmen), it sort of seemed like an actual visit to another country. I've always wanted to see the real cherry blossom festivals in Japan, but this did rather nicely! I think I may have even gotten my fix.

One thing that I especially enjoyed was the art of making Kimekomi Dolls (see image in post below). It is a really beautiful art form - and I've been thinking about maybe joining their group and doing some of my own! (Anyone who actually knows me may be thinking "Wha?!?" and all I have to say is "I'm lonely! This could be a fun outlet!") Aren't they pretty interesting looking?

Well, the whole experience was really tranquil (even though there were TONS of people and somewhat long lines, especially for the dang bathroom...). Any time I am in a garden, I am just transfixed at the wonders to behold. It kinda makes me wonder why I decided to become a librarian and work indoors!