Visit Washington, DC

US Capitol Building

If you have never visited our nation’s capital city, I would strongly suggest that you do so.  Washington, DC is absolutely one of the most beautiful cities in the world – from the monuments to the memorials – from the greenspaces to the museums - and from the art galleries to the various seats of government.

Smithsonian Museum Castle

Inside the Air and Space Museum

Inside the Library of Congress

But one of the absolute best times to visit is during the Cherry Blossom Festival.

The Festival this year began March 20^th and will continue until April 27^th.   And this year’s celebration is extra special because it is the 100^th Anniversary of the bestowing of the first cherry trees by Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo who presented a gift of 3,000 trees to the city of Washington in honor of the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan.

Tidal Basin with the Wahington Monument

The original gift trees were planted at the Tidal Basin and almost 100 of them still survive today, very much exceeding their original life expectancy.  They have been babied by the National Park Service and treated with such care that they still blossom annually.

The Japanese government gave First Lady Lady Bird Johnson an additional 3,800 trees in 1965 and they were planted around the Tidal Basin also.  Each year, the National Park Service predicts the peak bloom period so check it out for next year (it was to be March 20-23 in 2012).  The cherry trees usually continue to bloom into April throughout the city and surrounding suburbs.  If ever you are able to, pay a visit to Washington, DC - you'll be glad you did!