DC Cherry Blossoms Part Two: Sakuras

"Sakura" is the Japanese word for cherry blossom.  In light of the recent overwhelming tragedy in Japan, this year's Cherry Blossom Festival in DC took on a special meaning for a lot of people. A few months ago, my husband and I decided to start saving money for a big trip to Japan within the next year or two. When we heard about the earthquake there and then the tsunami and now the continuing news of the nuclear reactors, we were heartbroken, wondering if there would even be a Japan left to visit.

The cherry blossoms are an important element in Japanese culture and art. Wikipedia states that the "cherry blossom is an omen of good fortune and is also an emblem of love, affection and represents spring. Cherry blossoms are an enduring metaphor for the fleeting nature of life, and as such are frequently depicted in art.^"

This is the site where the first cherry trees were planted when given as a gift from Japan.

Gazing at the beauty of these pink and white flowering trees I couldn't help but think about the Japanese people and hope that the same beauty and strength of these trees continues to shine through them and enables them to rebuild their beautiful country quickly.

I love it when you see the little blossoms growing right out of the trunk. Life always finds a way.

^{For us we are thankful to have the opportunity to enjoy these lovely flowers and the 
fresh air outside on a chilly day and a little time just the two of us.  In addition to the 
blossoms we were able to enjoy a few of the nearby monuments as well. An introspective 
look at how our own country was formed and strengthened.}

Jefferson Memorial across the Tidal Basin

Washington Monument

Washington Monument through the blossoms

Jefferson Memorial

Edgar at the base of the Washington Monument

view of Washington Monument through the columns of the Jefferson Memorial

words of Thomas Jefferson about religious freedoms

Thomas Jefferson himself

Me by the waterfalls of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial

The Lincoln and WWII Memorials across the National Mall

underground tunnel in Jefferson Memorial

right in the middle through the trees is the White House in the distance

^{Here are some more of the pictures we took.  Enjoy!} 

looking out across the Tidal Basin

my hunny

my hunny again walking from the car in Haines Point to get to the blossoms

even the potties were nice

the helpful beaver reminding us it is illegal to pick the blossoms

taking a nap in an old tree

a cute duckie husband and wife pair

view of the Capitol Building from the Washington Monument

boats in the marina at Haines Point

cool clump of old trees

Jefferson again