hinamatsuri

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day. The wind was quite strong and nippy but overall a beautiful day.

I went to pick up a Hinamatsuri (Girl's Day) bento at the nearby department store. This one had assorted nigiri (rice balls)...735 yen (about US$7.35).

The top two nigiri are supposed to look like members of the Heian court, with the nori (laver) and egg used to resemble their kimono (Japanese formal wear).

I thought it wouldn't be too filling because it was small, but it was just right for lunch.

I also went to check out Kotobuki manju in our shopping arcade.

They had a new flavor, sakura (cherry blossom)...130 yen (about US$1.30)

This had cherry blossom flavored an (sweet bean paste) and a salted blossom on top.

Both were perfect with some green tea.

When I go on my walks, there is a huge tree with yellow flowers and a huge tree with pink flowers that is in full bloom.

Every time I've gone past though, it has been overcast and kind of dark, not good photo conditions, especially for my iPhone which cannot zoom (and it doesn't have a flash either).

When I went past yesterday, it was clear and sunny, perfect! I had brought my point and shoot, so I was able to zoom.

I googled around and found out that the tree with the yellow flowers is an Acacia Dealbata (Silver Wattle) and I think the tree with the pink flowers is either ume (apricot) or momo (peach).

There is an order as to which blooms first in Japanese (ume or momo), but I can't seem to remember it (nor can Satoshi!)