I can feel the spring chill. A bite in the air with the hope of warmer days.Having lived in tropical Mumbai and Singapore (1 degree latitude) I have, it seems, missed out on all the fun of seasons! What a pity. I am just discovering the drama of it now - better late than never.
The magnolia tree outside my window just bloomed and withered. Another one is bursting with possibilities.Everyday we crane our necks. And....there is anticipation in the air for the 'star' of the show- the sakura (cherry blossom)! One would think that the Japanese have gotten over their seasons fetish by now and that its left upto us 'island types' to do the dance. But no - they seem equally euphoric when a leaf changes colour! We saw hordes teeming to see the 'koyo' (autumn leaves) during autumn (including us of course) and I know hordes are waiting to descend upon unsuspecting cherry blossoms this season (including us). Cherry blossom viewing parties (hanami) are the done things. Japan has 'flower calendars' and 'blossom bulletins'. And all cameras in Japan (with tripods) are on high alert this season(including ours- minus
tripod).
For me, when last summer changed to autumn it was like the scene on a drama set changed - everything- the landscape, the props , the costumes, the mood... out went summery clothes, in came the smart jackets, scarves and boots. Out went casual dressing, in came Tokyo's Fall Collection! Never
a badly dressed Japanese in sight. It was the season when I felt perpetually under dressed with my one black jacket (neither Prada-nor Gucci but water proof with fleece lining).
We go to Kyoto next week hoping to catch a geisha fanning herself under a pink cherry blossom tree.Stereotype junkies? You bet.
The magnolia tree outside my window just bloomed and withered. Another one is bursting with possibilities.Everyday we crane our necks. And....there is anticipation in the air for the 'star' of the show- the sakura (cherry blossom)! One would think that the Japanese have gotten over their seasons fetish by now and that its left upto us 'island types' to do the dance. But no - they seem equally euphoric when a leaf changes colour! We saw hordes teeming to see the 'koyo' (autumn leaves) during autumn (including us of course) and I know hordes are waiting to descend upon unsuspecting cherry blossoms this season (including us). Cherry blossom viewing parties (hanami) are the done things. Japan has 'flower calendars' and 'blossom bulletins'. And all cameras in Japan (with tripods) are on high alert this season(including ours- minus
tripod).For me, when last summer changed to autumn it was like the scene on a drama set changed - everything- the landscape, the props , the costumes, the mood... out went summery clothes, in came the smart jackets, scarves and boots. Out went casual dressing, in came Tokyo's Fall Collection! Never
a badly dressed Japanese in sight. It was the season when I felt perpetually under dressed with my one black jacket (neither Prada-nor Gucci but water proof with fleece lining).We go to Kyoto next week hoping to catch a geisha fanning herself under a pink cherry blossom tree.Stereotype junkies? You bet.
6 comments:
you'll love your first 'hanami'... i thoroughly enjoyed last years season... but then i live in a place that is probably the size of Singapore's CBD, or smaller.. so crowds were not an issue
i'm way to the north.. almost across the sea from Siberia. which explains 13 days of incessant snow
"Never a badly dressed Jap in sight. ""
you spoke way too soon. winter means sensible clothes, or at least that bizzare outfits from sumo-land are covered by jackets.
u are right Vidya....how to beat the crowds will be the ques! 'Across from Siberia'...has a certain ring to it!
Preethy,enjoyed reading your blog-just received the link from Sharvari.You have a lovely writing style.And perhaps it also has something to do with the fact that I have this fascination for Japan and all things Japanese (that no one else in my family seems to share!)Will return to check out your experiences in Japan
Thanks for the encouraging comments Sarita! Would look forward to sharing more experiences.Looks like I'm turning into a Japo-phile too! :)
Lovely :)
More Sakura !!
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