Sakura

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One of the biggest events in the whole of Japan is the "Sakura" 桜 season. The before totally barren cherry trees start to bud and bloom within a matter of days at the end of March through the middle of April, where the ones in the southern prefectures will ofcourse bloom earlier than the ones up north. People will go and see them with friends and family and even organize picnics and boozing parties in the evening in the parks. This is called "Hanami" 花見, where Hana = blossoms and Mi = to see. The colour is either white or a beautiful pale pink. Here in Nagasaki the best known place to go to is Tateyama Park 立山公園 , located up against a hill and close to the Suwa Shrine. But even the little park opposite our Student Hall is just crammed with these trees and the local residents have put up lanterns to make the place look more festive.

Celebrated Alexandra's Birthday last night with the well known Nomihodai in a place close by. Unfortunately it was absolutely pouring down when we came out so needed to take a cab home.

Today too...lotsa rain but things seem to be improving..... well, you know the saying: every cloud has a silver lining.........