Hello Spring!
This week something is off. I've been in a bad mood, very irritable, nothing is going right. I finally banned the first troll from my page, someone who constantly sent horrible attacks via personal messages. Perhaps I'm still not used to the Russian blogosphere and all of the strange things that sometimes come with it.
Then I went to the airport this afternoon to hop on a plane to one of my favorite cities, Chicago, and the flight was cancelled. There's a common phrase, when life hands you lemons make lemonade. Since I wasn't getting on the plane I took a spur of the moment trip to the Tidal Basin in DC to look at the Cherry Blossom events. And just as I was starting to lose faith in humanity, I met this beautiful young woman. I didn't get her name, only that she was visiting from Thailand and enjoying the very warm temperatures that have suddenly invaded DC (today temperature reached 30C). Maybe the snow is starting to melt in Russia now, but I'm certain it's still very cold. Here's a sneak peek at what's ahead for you - blooming flowers and sunshine!
1. I wrote in my kite post about the Cherry Blossoms. In 1912, the Mayor of Tokyo gave DC a gift of over 3,000 trees to honor the friendship between Japan and America. Every year DC holds a Cherry Blossom festival to highlight the trees, Japanese culture and arrival of spring. This week was peak bloom and the Tidal Basin was a sea of pink and tourists.
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3. I'm constantly shocked by how many tourists are in DC at all times of year, but spring and summer bring the largest crowds. I think this couple just got engaged and were shooting celebratory photos.
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5. Fellow curly-haired chick! :)) Almost all young American women with curly hair straighten it. I'm not sure why. I think most men prefer straight hair so I assume this is the reason.
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7. If you want to be more adventurous and active you can take paddle boats out on the river and view from there. It's a lovely area with the Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument visible from most locations.
8. What horror in the midst of all this beauty! Some rodent like creatures (I think beavers?) warning everyone to not pick the blossoms.
9. Cute kids everywhere!
10. There are a lot of events for kids on the Blossom grounds, including this "Wall of Friendship Between Japan and America," where kids can express their artistic side.
11. We never had fun trips like this when I was in school but it's great! Apparently the girl in the gray sweater doesn't think so.
12. Modern day Pocahontas with cool shoes. She shaved off all her hair and decided to wear a lot less clothes. This girl, very nice and deaf. She's a student at Gallaudet University in DC, a world renowned educational institute for the deaf. I know a little bit of sign language because my cousin was married to a deaf woman at one time.
13. I mentioned before that DC is a very green city, with lots of parks and sitting areas. It was the middle of the afternoon on a workday, but still many people sitting out on blankets and enjoying the warm weather.
14. The DC area has many active and fit residents, including one of the largest cycling communities in the States. I share the road with them everyday on the way to work. On many routes, they have their own bike lane. However, if you ever visit DC and drive you must be alert and aware of these cyclists at all times. They will sneak up on you and your blindside in a heartbeat. And some rogue cyclists don't extend common road courtesy and create hazards for themselves. I'm sure the owner of this decorative bike is pleasant and obedient on the roads.
15. Here's an example of young, attractive girls in the city. Maybe all the male readers will appreciate. :) Someone wrote me that they thought ALL Americans are fat. Well, we do like to eat and our portions are huge compared to other countries. But no, we're not all overweight and I've seen plenty of people carrying extra pounds in every country I've visited, including Russia.
16. In addition to the Cherry Blossoms, there is a large flower garden in the vicinity with colorful tulips. All in full bloom now and incredibly beautiful. I've already written numerous times that I hate warm weather but there is one positive. It brings flowers, which I love.
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18. Pure sweetness!
19. This little girl had a Dora the Explorer backpack. It's a great educational cartoon as the main character speaks Spanish and English. It's very interactive so kids are motivated to learn Spanish while watching. This is practically the official language of some areas of the States now so the knowledge is useful. I found a Russian version of Dora the Explorer, but the second language is English not Spanish. :) For those with kids, check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPNGU2DH3dw
20. Another young Thai woman. I've been there, I think they are probably a close second to Americans in the smiles department.
21. A few more flowers...
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That's it. Now in a better mood! Tomorrow morning I board my flight to Chicago. I've already written about this city but will try to find something new and interesting to show you. Until then, have a great weekend!