our feast at Christine's

February 15-24: beginnings of spring, my birthday (weekend) and other random pics…

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February 25th 2008
Japanese Vocabulary Haru: spring sakura: cherry tree blossoms- for the Japanese their short blooming period I think is supposed to be symbolic of life- delicate and brief, but unforgettably beautiful while it lasts. hanami: Flower viewing, when the Japanese people flock in hordes to go see the cherry trees bloom. um ... read more

Asia » Japan » Wakayama

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In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more