a serious case of spring fever

Spring
is utterly and completely
contagious.
in almost every way.

On My Street

Once a year, for about 2 weeks, My street is transformed. The canal that runs the length of our street in front of my apartment building is lined with Cherry trees, and once a year it becomes famously gorgeous. Each year it seems, more people come to enjoy. This year it was quite cold for the first week so the crowds were thin, BUT this weekend the weather got nice and everyone was out. Streets were packed. We get lots of great street vendors, and hot wine. The street is still technically open for cars but the masses really keep the cars out which I LOVE.

Anyway, this little shot is just a glimpse of last night.

One of the down sides is if I want to go out to eat and not eat vendor food I have to leave my neighborhood as all my favorite joints are packed! This must be what it is like to live in a tourist area year- I definitely don't think I would want to do it year around. But for two weeks it is kind of exciting.

Hanami Picnic

A view of our cheese, crackers, salami and wine under the cherry trees. We had a little impromptu picnic. Quite nice. The streets around my place are still jam packed with cherry blossom viewers. We probably have about a week left- before the trees go all green and leafy and the blossoms are done for another year.

This year was extraordinary so far, weather wise. Fairly mild, very sunny, not too windy. Ideal for a long extended blossom season. I am off on Friday and hopeful that it will stay nice and I will get another good day to people and blossom watch.

(yes, those are my crocs- and no I don't care that they are not popular any more- they are still comfortable.)

My Neighborhood is Gorgeous Right Now

Spring is really something here in Japan. The cherry blossoms are out in full bloom and since I live in a major blossom viewing area-- I get to really enjoy the blooming-beauty every day.

Probably about 1 week left- before it goes all green.
The pics above are a collage made of 3 days viewing photos.
Click picture to see larger version.