Cherry Blossom – and a little chat about Japan

It is finally spring in Germany and I am enjoying the fresh air, the singing of the birds and especially – the CHERRY BLOSSOMS! To my mind, these blossoms are the prettiest in spring time!

Today, I would like to show you my recent photographs of my beloved cherry blossoms.
Additionally, since they always remind me of Japan, I thought I could talk a little bit about the country and why I would really appreciate going there one day!

Last summer, I was a participant in the „International Leadership Academy“ in Fort Worth, Texas.
“ILA“ is a program where students from eight cities in the world meet in Texas, in order to discuss a specific topic and meet other people.

My roommate was a girl from Nagaoka and she came to Fort Worth with a group of other Japanese people. Honestly, I have never meet so many nice people before in my life! The Japanese are so kind, hospitable and courteous! We talked a lot about our countries, which is why I am taking a trip to Japan in a couple of years into consideration.

I would love to visit Tokyo and Kyoto, although I think it may be a little bit stressful, since these cities have so many inhabitants.

Nevertheless, visiting the food markets, buying little souvenirs, trying Japanese food and talking to locals (not in Japanese unfortunately) are things you should definitely not miss when travelling to Japan!

Here are some of the main “bullet points“ on my Japan to-do list:

• Visiting Fushimi-ku in Kyoto, which is one of eleven wards, where you will also find the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine

• Walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, seeing the green bamboo stalks which reframe the alley

• Exploring Tokyo, Japan’s capital

• Watching a Kabuki Performance, which is a classical Japanese musical-drama with marvellous costumes, dance and music

• Trying to see Geishas

• Seeing Mount Fuji, the famous volcano

Mount Fuji, credits to http://www.mfi.or.jp/mtfujihostel/

I hope you liked this post and especially the photographs. By the way, I am still not completely sure how I want to continue this blog. I like to write my blogpost in english, since I am battling the constant fear of unlearning how to write in english.
However, it takes a lot of time to translate the posts into German and I am often only doing it the day after I have already published the blogpost.
Additionally, you may have noticed that I changed my blog layout again, which is why I am not quite sure which design perfectly suits my „work“.

Have a great week!

Sophie

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