Sakura!

We went to the Japanese Cultural Centre for a Sakura Concert on April 22, the date picked based on last year's peak blooms in Toronto. Buds were still far from open. Of course, sakura are always there, just not always how we would like to see them. Traditional Japanese instruments, including the koto, samisen, and Taiko drums. Canadian artist Ron Korb played a variety of flutes from all over the world. At the end of the concert, an Irish flute accompanied by Taiko drummers did a rendition of South American music with Japanese dancers. Now that's improv. 

When Rob and I went to High Park on May 2, the blossoms weren't quite at their peak - but then, neither were the crowds. We were able to drive into the park, and even found a parking space close to the groves. Clear skies and lots of hanami. 

After soaking in the cherry blossoms we went for ramen at Musoshin restaurant  and reminisced about Japan in cherry blossom season. Also picked up a couple loaves of shokopan (one for us, one for our granddaughter Nora). What fun!

  

sakura mochi - yum!