Hanami

Ok, so all my laptop problems are solved now (hopefully for long) and I’ve found some time to catch up on this blog.

It’ll be best to start from something which doesn’t require much writing: hanami. In Japanese hanami (花見) literally means „flower watching”, but it refers specifically to trips organised for the sole purpose of viewing cherry blossoms. The early buds, the full bloom, the ones fading away – all kinds. Sakura is not just a symbol of Japan; it’s also a symbol of Zen Buddhism as it embodies its core value: only that which is impermanent is beautiful. And although Buddhism isn’t much of a religion for myself personally, I really do agree with this.

Sakura on my campus.

Sakura by the castle.

Spring in Kanazawa: cherry blossoms and snow covered mountains.

Sakura petals flowing in the "moat" surrounding the castle.

Sakura road by the castle.

Because my friends decided that one flower in my hair is not enough.
Photo by Nimasha Wijayasekara.