The story behind the National Cherry Blossom Festival

Hello, reader!

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I’m taking a short break from my travel stories with this entry to focus on a recently held celebration of the friendship between the US and Japan, marked with the blooming of the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC.

The story of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington is one worth retelling because of all the work that has been done to keep the trees blooming beautifully every year. Over the years, it has grown from its modest beginnings into one of the nation’s most breathtaking springtime celebrations. 

The festival commemorates the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington in 1912. Efforts to bring cherry trees to Washington started years before that, however. Apart from the early efforts made by various individuals dating as early as 1885, the first batch of cherry tree gifts from Tokyo arrived in 1910. The first 2,000 trees, however, were found to be diseased and had to be destroyed to protect local growers.

Image Source: bbc.co.uk

But that initial setback did not deter the parties involved, and it was through the coordination of Dr. Jokichi Takamine, a world-famous chemist and the founder of Sankyo Co., Ltd., Dr. David Fairchild of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Eliza Scidmore, first female board member of the National Geographic Society, and First Lady Helen Herron Taft, that the cherry trees now stand today in DC. In reciprocation, the United States government donated flowering dogwood trees to the people of Japan in 1915.

Another part of the story worth mentioning is that the cycle of gift-giving between the US and Japan came full circle in 1981 when cuttings from the trees in Washington were given to horticulturists in Japan to replace some of the cherry trees which were destroyed in a flood.

Image Source: washington.org

The blooming cherry trees are a sight to behold. Photos can only capture a fraction of their true beauty, and if you haven’t seen the Sakura in full bloom, then I suggest that you take a trip to Washington around March to April next year to join in on the celebration.

Hi, this is Louis Habash. For more links to my travel and culture stories, visit me on Twitter.

A little something about the Japanese Omiyage

“Here’s a little something I got…” is a phrase that we commonly hear from people who’ve taken time to share with us a small part of their trips in the form of trinkets, food items, or novelty goods. These gift items are also usually accompanied by stories of how they found the items or why they picked the specific gift over the others that they could have gotten.

Image Source: omiyageblogs.ca

While I can’t give my readers physical gifts, I’d like to share some tidbits of what I got from my travels to Asia. This time, given that we’ve just recently celebrated the enduring friendship between Japan and the US with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and since I’m on the topic of souvenir giving, I think I should share what little I know about the Japanese way of giving souvenirs.

The Japanese use the term Omiyage for both the gifts that you give to friends after the trip and for the obligatory gift (as a matter of politeness) that you give to the people you’re visiting at your destination. The souvenir items are, of course, what you can get and what you can give, that’s fine. For the latter kind of omiyage, however, there’s a certain set of considerations to follow.

Image Source: morethingsjapanese.com

For the best choice of presents for one’s hosts, something consumable is recommended. It’s hard to find space for gifts in many cases, so gifts that don’t need to be stored for too long are best. Otherwise, something expensive, like a tie or scarf from a popular brand, is a good alternative.

Now, as a non-Japanese guest, one isn’t really expected to bring omiyage. If you really want to impress your hosts, though, then this may serve as a little reminder of what you should think of bringing.

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An enduring legacy: Visiting the Badaling Great Wall

Every time someone I know visits China, they’d be all like “Louis Habash, you should go see the Great Wall if you happen to visit China!” So, just a few days ago, I had the chance to visit the Badaling part of the Great Wall.

Image Source: china-tour.cn

Let me give you guys a brief history of the Great Wall. Around 5th century BC, the Chinese were already familiar with the idea of having a good wall to defend themselves against raiding enemies, but it wasn’t until the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, that the Great Wall, as we call it today, was built. According to some experts in Chinese history, building the Great Wall cost hundreds of thousands of human lives. Also, most of the wall that’s still standing today isn’t part of the original wall because most of it has eroded over the centuries. What you can see today was built during the Ming Dynasty—and this includes the Badaling section.

Image Source: en.wikipedia.org

When you arrive at the Great Wall, be prepared to walk through throngs of people, especially if you visit during spring. Get ready for a long and arduous climb if you don’t like riding the cable car up the wall. If you are interested in more of the Great Wall’s history, the Great Wall Museum is also a good place to explore.

You can reach the Badaling Great Wall by riding public buses located at various areas around Beijing. The bus ride to the Badaling Great Wall takes about an hour. The wall is open from 6 am to 6:30pm.

Image Source: great-wall-of-china.org

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Kathmandu: The ancient city of wonder

Image Source: AllNepal.com

If you love ancient cities, then you’ll love Kathmandu, the capital of the kingdom on the roof of the world—Nepal. The city is more than 2000 years old and is located 4,600 feet above sea level. Enclosed within a valley, Kathmandu is a sight to behold.

Image Source: LonelyPlanet.com

Kathmandu is the best place to experience Nepali culture and tradition. I found many Hindu and Buddhist temples just by walking around, which is, by far, the best way to experience Kathmandu. The famous Pashupatinath Temple can be found in Kathmandu, near the banks of the Bagmati River. You can also visit the Durbar Square, which is one of the oldest squares in the world; walk around Thamel, the city’s bustling tourist city; climb the 365 steps to the Swayambhunath, the so-called monkey temple; and visit the King’s palace, which is now a museum.

Image Source: TripAdvisor.com

However, despite the abundance of things to do and places to visit, the best thing to experience in Nepal is the food. Food here is cheap and plentiful, and most of those I tasted were heavenly, to say the least. My favorite was the Dal Bhat, which is a meal that consists of a lentil soup, mixed vegetables, chili, pickled vegetables, more vegetables, and mutton. Notice the amount of vegetables? It’s no wonder why Nepalese people are so slim. Food in Nepal has a little bit of Indian influence, which means that people with really sensitive stomachs should be wary.

I love Kathmandu. I think it is a great city with so much to offer, and I will definitely come back—if I get back from Mt. Everest alive, that is.

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Sadhus: The wandering holy men of Nepal

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In my travels, I have often searched for something different—something extraordinarily inspiring. This time, that search led me to the kingdom on the roof of the world, Nepal—one of the two last homes of the Sadhus.

The Sadhus, or “good man” in English, are wandering holy men indigenous to Nepal and India, where Hinduism is widely practiced. They are highly revered because many see them as the embodiment of all that is good in man. Most of them are also practitioners of Yoga--thereby called Yogi-- and meditation. Almost all of them are ascetic, living simple lives, and have left behind all material attachments to live beyond the fringe of normal society.

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It is said that talking to a Sadhu is deeply inspiring and moving; however, I did not find it so, probably because I don’t speak a word of Hindi. Some Sadhus do speak English, but sadly, I wasn’t able to meet one who does. My tour guide however, was helpful enough and answered a few questions for me. He said that in order to become a Sadhu, a man must leave everything behind and look for a “guru” who can then teach him the ways of the Sadhu. Throughout India and Nepal, there are different Sadhu sects, and each has its own set of rituals and traditions. Women can also become Sadhus and are called Sadhvi.

Image Source: IndiaTimes.com

While walking around Nepal, I noticed that these holy men have nothing and want nothing, satisfied with just simple donations of food and clothing. I chuckled inwardly, remembering the day when my mother said to me, “Louis Habash, material things won’t do you any good when you die.” I realized then that she was right.

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Fringe benefits and all: Earning as a travel writer

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There is an illusion to travel writing that outsiders may have—that it’s just a lap of luxury. If you have the guts to become a travel writer, as was required of Louis Habash when I signed up for the job, then you should be able to endure stomach-wrenching local delicacies or bear sleepless backpacking trips just to get a good grasp of a first-hand story. But, it’s not like that all the time. Once you begin publishing your pieces, going on press trips, and establishing your names, freebies pour in as all-expenses paid travel, meals, and events admissions. Now that’s a way to fund your career, a.k.a your lifestyle as a travel writer. And then publishers and television networks start paying you for the stories and photos.

My task is mostly to churn out guest posts in other travel blogs. I write 500-worders per day and syndicate them, earning for just several hours of work. My work dynamics may differ from others, but I appreciate just how creativity cannot be dampened by being on the road, and learn from how others do it.

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Selling stories to travel magazines

John Beede sees this “most traditional way” as the least paying means to travel write. It’s also quite a tough ride to scour the market for interested magazines and publications and face the non-guarantee of payment.

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Floating online travel agency
 

Mika Hamilton suggests that you establish contacts with tourism departments and travel agencies. As you write travel stories, you can also book visitors for them online. That’s earning for you extra income right there.

Although it’s a hard career choice to take, sometimes mundane even, travel writing can be a lesson in chaos with the most satisfying returns to offer the adventurous.

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REPOST: More for Your Money: Be on the alert for travel scams

Be an alert traveller by knowing the scams and frauds that may come along your way as you step into a foreign land. Get tips from this LA Times article.

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If you have the money to travel, you'll want to spend it the way you want to spend it. That means making sure rip-off artists keep their mitts off your dough.

With this in mind, the members and editors of travel website VirtualTourist have compiled a list of the worst travel scams and schemes and how to avoid them.

Pickpockets: Pickpockets no longer limit themselves to the simple "bump and grab." VirtualTourist members mentioned that in many instances, pickpockets are working in teams: While one shows you a gold ring or points out mustard on your shirt, another cohort is stealing your wallet. Nowadays, there are many more things for thieves to steal than just your wallet — cameras and smartphones, for instance.

Distraction can also be a scammer tool. A woman will approach you waving a newspaper or asking for help reading something, but under the newspaper, she is palming your phone off the cafe table. If someone offers you unsolicited help, politely decline and quickly walk away.

Always keep your valuables (passport, important papers and extra credit cards) in your hotel safe, and make sure to record the serial numbers of any electronics. Some cities require a serial number to file a police report.

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Pickpocketing is rampant in crowded areas with a large number of tourists. VirtualTourist members commented that it was common in Barcelona, Spain, particularly on Las Ramblas, the central pedestrian street.

Gypsy cabs: Taxi scams can be as simple as drivers who are unlicensed and who overcharge or who take you the long way to your destination. Here are some tips to make traveling by taxi easier. If there's a taxi queue, get in the line. Many cities (Rome, New York) have a set fare from the primary airport to inside the city. Make sure you know this number and clarify it before you put your bags in the car. If you are leaving your hotel and going to a site, ask the doorman or concierge how much the taxi fare should be. VirtualTourist members note that Rome is a particularly bad spot for taxi scams, especially near Termini Station.

Volunteers with poor intentions: In a foreign country, "volunteers" may offer to assist you when you're making a transaction or using any automated machine. Be wary of any stranger who offers help too easily, particularly in high tourism areas or transportation hubs, such as Paris' subway and train stations, especially Gare du Nord. If possible, buy tickets in advance or through a window vendor at the station.

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A substitute for a tourist attraction: In certain parts of Southeast Asia, VirtualTourist members noted, locals may approach tourists, noting that the "palace is closed today because of" (fill in the blank with a religious ceremony, royal function, cleaning, etc). Then they'll steer you into a nearby tuk-tuk (or motorized rickshaw), offering to take you to a gem factory or another tourist attraction. Sometimes these not-so-do-gooders might even have on a uniform. The palace/site/wat is probably not closed today, so before you turn around and embark on a tuk-tuk ride to commissioned jewelry stores and tailors, check for yourself. There are numerous member reports of this at various places in Bangkok, Thailand, including the Grand Palace and Wat Po.

The math genius: The math genius is often a waiter or taxi driver, which helps (him, not you) since he's already provided you with a service for which you need to pay. Here's how it works in a taxi: You owe the driver 15 euros, and you pay with a 20 euro bill (about $25). He switches out the bill you gave him for a 5 euro bill, which looks similar. He holds it up and argues that you owe him 10 more euros. You apologize and give him the 10 euros, and only after exiting the car do you realize you essentially paid twice the taxi fare. Many travelers have fallen for this trick because of exhaustion or unfamiliarity with the local currency. Although this can happen everywhere, VirtualTourist members say it is common in Istanbul, Turkey, and New York City.

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