Cherry Blossom Festival - Washington D.C.
One of the down sides of having had my spring break so late in the season is that it didn't coincide with any of my friends' breaks. On the plus side, it fell perfectly in schedule with one of the most popular DC events: The National Cherry Blossom Festival.
In 1912, Tokyo's Major Yukio Ozaki gifted Washington D.C. with 3,000 cherry trees. With the help of many chemists and government officials under President Taft's administration, they were planted around the Tidal Basin and Washington Monument.
Each year, our nation's capital hosts a festival to celebrate the enduring friendship between Japan and the United States. There is a parade, food, and activities aplenty! Around 1.5 million people travel here each spring to take in these bountiful blooms.
Fortunately for us, it is a quick metro ride into the District. However we had to brave the immense crowds to make it down to the Tidal Basin...
We made our way through and began our walk around the Washington Monument.
Passing alongside the DC Holocaust Museum.
We continued on down to the water, stopping to glance up and snap pics of the blossoms up close.
Finally the Thomas Jefferson Memorial was in our sight!
We walked along the edge of the Tidal Basin, beneath the shade of the trees.
It felt like a dream to be surrounded by the stunning pink and white blooms!
Mom stopped to take a few pictures of her own. You can see towards the left that some tourists brought their own tripods for the occasion!
The trees completely encircle the reservoir along its edge.
Last time I was on a paddle boat was in Hyde Park this past summer! Remember?!
I just couldn't stop taking pictures of the fluffy trees!
If you're ever fortunate enough to be in the DC area in late March or early April, try to check out the iconic festival! It is worth the crowds!
Only three and a half weeks until graduation! I have some fun things planned, so stay tuned!
