March is a somewhat of a "nobody" month. I mean really January is when you set resolutions for the year, Feb you fret over them and then comes March. And everything seems to vaporize. Including the month. No holidays either. Ok, we got Women's Day there. But what else. Anyone?
And then today, March reminds me of the impromptu trip I made to Brooklyn Botanical Gardens on one such dull day. Those days I was quite the early riser - 6 am on a Saturday. No joke. Rising early felt like I had so much time at hand! So yeah, got into my jeans and a light t-shirt and trotted from one subway train to another to reach the beautiful gardens.
Let me forewarn you - I am not even remotely a "flower" person. Yes I know what you are thinking. What a thing to brag about huh? I had nothing much to do that day so I thought "Well let's check out this hype about cherry blossoms. They are pink and white. So what? Meh." And so I was there, waiting even before the gates to the esplanades opened - 9 am was opening time.
Boy was I wrong, and how wrong! Let me just say - Brooklyn Botanical Gardens was GORGEOUS! If you have never seen or smelled or walked down a Cherry Blossom esplanade, you couldn't imagine the joy. And that coming from me is ahem, a huge thing. So you got to take my word on it.They apparently have some sort of popular Rose show/display too.
And what better than the cool spring air to break the New York winter season. Felt right out of a Hollywood rom-com.
Apparently Cherry Blossom festivals go by the name Sakura Matsuri (Japanese), so I bumped into several ladies in cute kimonos and umbrellas.
They had a cool lounge and all for family and kids at the entrance. Yeah lot of emoticons!
And before I could enter the esplanade something interesting caught my eye. You see the tree wrapping round that wooden roof? That is a type of Weeping Willow Tree that naturally bends over. I just thought it added so much charm to that roof.
And now...
*Blows Trumpets*
The Cherry Blossom Esplanade. What a sight!
Umm, although not sure what this was about...perhaps a suggestive restroom sign? Pardon my ignorance if this signifies something more important.
But of course, there were fashion models and photo shoots happening at random places. This is New York after all! She looked kinda angelic. I took this one stealthily ;-)
And then there were some genuine candid shots :-)
And of course, the gardens had their fair share of tulips too. Poor man's Seattle?
Next stop: The Japanese Gardens!
Just walking through this landscape felt so zen-like. Just makes me want to take the next flight to Kyoto
More Blossoms (white) and red ferns!
Of course, for those who wanted some activities, there were plenty happening - too many to pick.
A guy on a hot spring day demonstrating Origami to an equally inquisitive audience. Loved it. Made a duck. Almost. *Smiles sheepishly*
Then attended a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. It was done with, umm, so much precision. Almost meditative and relaxing to watch it. I had to climb over a hill top to see this (damn NY crowd!).
And lots of serious board games and Sudoku challenges happened.
And then there were more artists! And more color!
Hmm. I could go on. I hopefully captured all the awesomeness of the gardens and the vibe of the festival. Never in my life I saw so much color at one place (ok maybe Holi :-)). So finally I did come out feeling bright and cheery. Not another dull March day after all :-)
Lesson learnt: When in doubt, just go for it!
