It's Cherry Blossom Time!

Right now, this week is one of the best times to view the famous cherry blossoms of Japan. "Sakura" is the Japanese name for cherry trees (Prunus serrulata). Flowering viewing is popular in Japan, and parks care crowded with families having parties under the trees. Hanami festivals celebrate the beauty of the sakura.

Some Japanese people travel around the country to see specific famous cherry trees. The “Garyuzakura” cherry tree (Ichinomiya-cho, Gifu) is reputed to be over one thousand years old.

By the time I arrive in Tokyo in June, the flowering season will have long passed. Since I love trees (especially bonsai!) I guess I'll have to visit Japan sometime when our spring break coincides with the cherry blossom season.

Be the first: Can you tell me which US city is famous for its cherry trees which were originally imported from Japan and planted in 1910? Does this American city have a cherry blossom festival?

If you want to learn more about the cherry blossom season in Japan, here are a couple of web sites:
http://www.japantravelinfo.com/features/features_item.php?featuresid=9
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/seasonal/sakura2008/

Help Me!

I need to learn some manners before visitng Japan! Help keep me from making any social blunders in an unfamilar culture. Do some research and send me a Japanese etiquette tip. Post your advice here! (Check out other people's responses before posting your own so you don't repeat what they've just said... that sounds silly).

A job's not completed until the paper work is done

I received a packet from the Fulbright Foundation today. It was filled with a few forms and directions to download more forms from the Internet. Very little information about what we will be doing or seeing while in Asia. Our day to day itinerary remains a mystery!

I didn't feel like doing the paperwork today so... I did it anyway! A small price to pay for the trip of a lifetime.

My first step... My first entry

The first step in my Japanese adventure is creating a blogspot. This is new to me so already the adventure begins! My goal is to share my adventures, my thoughts, and even my misadventures.

First, a few caveats and provisos (excuses):
1. This is a spotaneous writing, do not expect the Queen's English.
2. Sometimes as a teacher it is hard to express thoughts and feelings. Sometimes as a student it's hard to empathize with a teacher... just give me a break!
3. Beware: No spell check on this blog.

In short, this blog will highlight my (all-expense paid) trip to Japan. The goal of the Fulbright Foundation (the people who paid for this trip) is to educate teachers about Japan so that they might better educate their students. This is the first step in that journey!