I almost got myself into some trouble this weekend.

So it's cherry blossom season in Japan. If there's one time of year where the Japanese wear their party hats, it's now. When the cherry blossoms are out, there are hanami parties every day. Hanami comes from hana (flower) and mi (to see): literally, "flower-watching" parties. As you ride your bike along the river, you can see whole families mingling together on blue tarps under the trees, and you can hear old ladies warbling into portable karaoke machines and drunken salarymen gushing over the tiny white blossoms. So of course, on the weekend a group of us made plans for a hanami party in Fujieda. Unfortunately, it started raining heavily, so instead we made our way to Jeff's apartment.

Well, Ken and I (who had just come from a hanami party in Shizuoka city) were riding our bikes on our way to Jeff's. It was already dark, and raining (like I mentioned), and we started biking fast to cross Route One before the signal turned red. We were still on the sidewalk when my bike suddenly skidded on the wet cement and I flew over my bike onto the pavement. I just lied there in shock, but luckily I had Ken, who remained totally composed and reassured me that I'd be ok. I was worried that I'd broken something. I rolled onto by back and finally managed, "I'm okay... I'm just a little shocked... my knees are hurt." After a bit, Ken helped me up and we found to our relief that everything was intact. Limping, I walked my bike alongside Ken the rest of the way to Jeff's house, and cleaned up. The only thing that really bothered me was my right knee, which has since swollen up to what Jeff called "a globe." Still, I can't believe how lucky I am; I distinctly remember flying over my bike basket. Anyway, the only concern I had was whether I'd still be able to do the hike... which Ken confidently reassures me I will. That's all I need to hear.

Last night, the four of us went to an onsen (hot bath) to soak, and for me to ease the pain. After, we talked over dinner in the onsen's restaurant and laughed over a Japanese game show that was playing on an overhead TV. Things are looking up, and hopefully I'll be well enough to continue my training while the cherry blossoms are still in bloom. I love this season!

Labels: jessie, spring