Without knowing it, we do 'hanami' all the time! It is Japanese and means 'viewing flowers'. While it can be any flower, it now concerns primarily the cherry tree flowers. The viewing is traditionally combined with a picnic in large groups. Plenty of food and drink included. Here in Paris the place to go is the Parc of Sceaux just a few miles to the South. The last very sunny days opened the blossoms and today they formed already pink clouds around dark stems. Next week they will be at their peak.
The appeal in Sceaux is that one can choose between two large squares planted with the cherry trees. One is all in pink and the other all in white. The white trees are somewhat less popular and it is therefore a more relaxed area.
We had a 'Zen hanami': no picnic, just a blanket to stretch out and to watch the busy bees buzzing from flower to flower. Welcome Springtime!
