Along with thousands of other people, we made it to the Cherry Blossom Festival, 2011.  On a perfect-weather day like today, who wouldn’t venture out to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine?  We even got lucky and found parking easily (leaving the city in the traffic was another story).   It felt good to be among the throngs of people, a notable mix of nationalities and cultures that the DC area is quite known for.

I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen so many people snapping pictures all at once.  Every where you looked there were point and shoots, mega lenses, and tripods. All directed towards a blossoming branch or a loved one posing by a cherry tree.    While everyone was looking up to admire the flowers, it was just as interesting to people watch.  A few artists were out too, capturing the annual display of blooms with their paintbrushes. I shared my camera with my oldest son, and we both took the pictures I’m posting here today.

The event is timely; as a country our hearts go out to the people of Japan during the ongoing devastation that they are facing.  It has been a hundred years since  the first couple thousand trees arrived in DC in the spirit of friendship between our two countries.  The history of the cherry trees in the U.S. is really fascinating, especially reading about what has transpired since those early days.  You can read the chronological details here.

Spending an afternoon right here in the nation’s Capitol, with hundreds of like-minded locals and tourists = the perfect way to welcome Spring!