Those are sakura...

Yeah...turns out the gorgeous, purple, sweet smelling blossoms at Shimabara Castle weren't sakura. Nearest guess is that they were plum blossoms. Amazingly enough, they are still noteworthy. Nevertheless, on to the main attraction.

We have watched closely over the past few weeks. We've been waiting, like everyone else, for that perfect time. Waiting for the sakura to bloom, to reach their peak. They've baited us, bare trees in the park for so long. Spindly branches with little appeal. One didn't even really notice they were there. Then, there were the first tiny buds and now...

The trees are literally everywhere. They just pop and take over whatever you are looking at. The blooms are wonderful, delicate beauties. The color is white, but pink, but burgundy depending on the angle. The scent is not overwhelming, but if you find a grove in which to spread your tarp and sit, you will be wrapped up in the warm, subtle scent of cherry. If you stick your nose in a cluster of flowers, you will swear there is nothing better.

It's a shame they are so short lived, but maybe that makes one appreciate them that much more. If you want to enjoy them, you have to take the time when they are ready. They don't fit in your schedule. They come when they want (this year's were apparently late) and leave before you can ever have a chance to tire of them.

Tonight, partly following Japanese tradition, we took our tarp to the park and spread it out under the trees. There, we had a simple picnic dinner purchased from the store down the street. We just enjoyed the smells and view and small petals already beginning to flutter to the ground between our bites. We skipped the traditional Japanese sake or beer in favor of Mountain Dew. It was glorious.

We've decided that we'll continue to picnic in the park when the weather will allow. I think I'll always remember the first picnic under the sakura canopy. I don't think any of the others will be so beautiful, but I'm sure we'll still enjoy them.