spring

I had no idea.  None.  I had started noticing cherry trees in bloom here and there so I knew the season was approaching.

Then I found the Kema Sakuranomiya Park.

I literally had to consciously stop taking pictures.  It was one of the prettiest things I’ve ever seen!  Here are a few, but much like showing pictures of the Grand Canyon and trying to describe how amazing it is, it’s impossible to tell from photos.  The park went on and on for as far as the eyes could see and with thousands of cherry trees in full bloom.  People of all ages were there relaxing and taking pictures, appreciating the loveliness of the season.  When the breeze would blow, some of the petals would flutter like confetti snow.  It struck me was a magnificent gift it was for Japan to give cherry trees to Washington DC, which I just read was in 1912 and they sent 3,000 trees.

I rode with Katie to work each of her last 3 days and stayed for lunch.  Katie’s last day was yesterday and we are both relieved to wrap it up.  While she went out to celebrate with her coworkers, I went to a gathering of a group I found online called InterNations.   67 people from all over the world had signed up to meet at the Blarney Stone Pub, a basement bar in Shinsaibashi.  Typically this wouldn’t be my thing, but I figured nearly everyone is in the same boat just trying to meet others and I was right.  It was really interesting to meet people from so many places and with such vast experiences!  For instance, there was a retired couple from Canada visiting their daughter who moved here 12 years ago.  They moved to Victoria, Canada on the west coast in order to be able to get to Japan more easily now that she has a son.  Their daughter was there also, so I found out she works for Marriott.  She loves it here and does not plan to return.

I met a woman who taught English in Thailand for 6 years, then worked on cruise ships for several years, and now teaches here.  She was able to give me information about visiting Kyoto where she lives and in fact offered to meet me.  Her coworker was from Colorado and hasn’t been home in 2 years because it’s too expensive to travel during their 2 week break at Christmas.  The 2 of them were leaving today for Taiwan to travel during their week off.  A guy my age went to the University of Michigan and lived near where I grew up.  It was so interesting to hear what everyone thinks about their homes and Japan.

At 9:30 p.m. the band started.  It was 4 Japanese guys and they played all old rock ‘n roll, all  songs I grew up on!  They probably don’t even know the full meaning of the words, but they were really into it and so was the crowd!  It was really fun!  The organization hosts meetings all over the world and seems to be a great way to make friends and network.

Now it is April in Osaka so Happy Easter everyone!  The main religions here are Shinto and Buddhism.  At the meeting last night someone was saying that Japanese people celebrate bits of all holidays, like Valentines and Halloween.  I’ve seen Easter decorations around and Katie said she was trying to explain the concept of the Easter Bunny to her high school students and they were pretty puzzled!  So far spring has been pretty great!

Photo:  Kema Sakuranomiya Park, mountains and Osaka Castle in the background