Sakura

It's this time of the year again.
In Japan sakura are blooming, the streets are covered with light pink petals, parks filled with people drinking, eating, laughing celebrating hanami. Japan is connecting to its deepest identity and beauty, magnificient and delicate. And I am here in Paris, miles and miles away. But I cannot keep my mind from wandering, faster than a plane, miles are easily forgotten and I am there, in Kyoto like two years ago, probably close to the happiest I have ever been.

These pictures were taken in the park of the imperial palace in Kyoto, which gardens are breathtaking. But this is obviously not the only memorable time we came across sakura during our 2weeks stay in Japan. The ones around the imperial palace in Tokyo this time, were as impressive and beautiful.

I remember this day perfectly. It was a gloomy and heavy day, the air was thick and humid, for sure a storm was making its way onto the capital city. Yet, the atmospheer was peaceful and soothing. This day it rained on us. And I thought, those flowers so small and fragile, what a terrible assault it must be to be hit by a drop of water. Their petals were being torned and scattered across the floor. Even their death looked beautiful.

As I walk in paris streets, in my favourite park a few meters away from home, here they are again, the cherry trees. They look as beautiful as always. And as I raise my hand and softly touch their flowers, it's like Japan isn't that far away.

But really ... I miss it.