Cherry Blossoms

It's that time of year - the cherry blossoms are at their peak in DC. This season, typically about a two to three week period in March/April, is insane! One million people flock to DC during this time to take a walk down the Tidal Basin and see the blossoms at their peak. People even plan their weddings around this day - which baffles me, because you never know when those blossoms will peak. They estimate a day, but it isn't always accurate. Besides, who would want to get married with one million tourists in the background? Dan and I usually check them out every year, and there's no way to get a good photo - you always have a crowd behind you!

Here's the brief history behind the cherry blossoms for those unfamiliar:


The two-week National Cherry Blossom Festival, which begins Saturday, honors the anniversary of 3,000 cherry trees gifted from Japan to the United States in 1912. It has become Washington's signature tourist event, drawing 1 million visitors annually. And officials are well aware that the whole affair depends on the lush canopies of pink and white blossoms staying in pristine condition. (courtesy of USA Today)


While I must admit that the increase in tourists (especially during rush hour on the metro) tends to get on my nerves, the cherry blossoms have special meaning for Dan and I. In April of 2004, I came to DC to visit Dan. I was still in college, and had planned to visit Dan way in advance. I didn't even know what the cherry blossoms were. But, they happened to be blooming that weekend, and we went to see them. It was such a good time, and it was really romantic. If I remember, it was pretty chilly out so there were hardly any people down there. I hadn't seen Dan in probably a few months, and we just strolled along the tidal basin and held hands. I know, so nerdy we are. But, it was very memorable.



(Checking out the cherry blossoms in 2005)


Actually, that weekend in 2004, Dan and I celebrated two years of dating. Now, three years later - here we are! That means we're celebrating five years of dating this month.

I think we'll go check out the cherry blossoms this weekend if it is nice. Easter Sunday is coming up, and we'll actually be in DC this year.

Typically for Easter, I go home and honor certain traditions each year. Good Friday = coloring eggs. Saturday = Easter vigil mass. Sunday = egg hunt (for the kids, unfortunately - I don't participate anymore!)....and napoleon! I think Dan and I are going to honor all but one of those traditions here this weekend - no egg hunt! But, we'll be attending Easter vigil on Saturday, and I'm going to call some bakeries and try to get my hands on some napoleon!! And, we'll continue a tradition that we've started on our own - going to see the cherry blossoms!