Every year at this time, the trees blossom and everyone goes out to have a party under them. It is known as O-hanami, or "blossom viewing". We went to two places this year, the grounds of Ueda Castle and to our own property for a large picnic under our six cherry trees.



Ueda Castle was crowded but beautiful, and Anri liked walking around among the pretty flowers. But the big event was a few days later, today, when we had a big picnic lunch under our own cherry blossoms.

 

We invited some friends over and were blessed with perfect weather, fully bloomed cherry trees and a crystal clear view of the alps. Anri spent most of the time playing with her friend Itsuki, while the adults sat around tables eating, drinking and talking.



The setting was so perfect that it unfortunately attracted some unexpected visitors. This happens every year, but tourists wanting to see the flowers regularly trespass on our land, in spite of our putting up ropes and signs to make it clear that they should follow the rules and stay on the paths. Still we had to drive off about twenty such people during the course of the afternoon. I am thinking of planting thorny bushes around the perimeter to really drive the message!

We have lots of pictures, of course. Click here to see our album.