Hanami

A very famous tradition in Japan is "hanami" ... gathering under the blossoming cherry trees (sakura) to admire the beauty and purity of these white flowers. They also also create the sensation of snow fall at every slight gust of wind.
"In 1959, the Japanese ambassador to Canada, Toru-Hagiwara, presented the Japanese Sakura trees to the citizens of Toronto on behalf of the citizens of Tokyo. The trees were planted in appreciation of Toronto helping to re-locate Japanese-Canadians." ... "They're also a sign of rebirth and strength." (CBC News 05/10/2010)
We truly enjoyed this beautiful outing to the trees. You can find some additional pictures here.

Easter 2011

Easter Sunday was a day full of activities. First of all we got up early, literally with the birds, to attend the Easter sunrise mass at Humber Bay Park. Just as last year this was a moment of of intense and living spirit. And even the sun graced this morning with it's rise, just to disappear behind the clouds moments after. Gladly, there is always a very filling breakfast served at the church as well.

After the sunrise mass, we told Johann the Easter bunny had hidden some surprises in the garden... and the search concept was quickly understood. Easter bunny even knew that Johann loves " ta ging don" (or Chuggington in English spelling)....

Please find some more photos by clicking on the link....

Toronto Discoveries - Jane's Walk and Doors open T.O.

Spring time is also a great time to discover the city and it's neighborhoods and participate in free guided tours. Attached are some pictures from the Mimico walk, St. Laurence Market and a Hipster walk in Ossington.

Palm Sunday Weekend

On the Palm sunday weekend we went to the Ukrainian Easter Bazar not far from our home on Lakeshore (church pictures). Best borshtsh I've ever tasted!

And the other day was not less of a gustative pleasure as we went to a newly operened Cidrerie North of Toronto. To walk off the calories we then had a hike in a nearby Conservation Area. At least Daddy hiked, Johann quickly preferred his shoulders...

Pictures

Serena's Birthday

Johann was invited to his little friend Serena's birthday party. At this time of the year you can almost bet the wheather will not be very clement and so her parents had the great idea to celebrate at an indoor playground (which is also a typically Canadian invention - basically a covered play area you join after having paid an entry fee - or for free when you're invited.) Here are some impressions from toys paradise.

Project Tomato

This years seedlings trial... And if I say I mean trial because with the temperatures we experience since a couple of weeks (7-10 degrees celsius) nothing would really germinate so far. Let's see how it goes on but we're really missing spring!

Maple syrup time

One of our favourite outings of early spring is to taste the first maple syrup being made from this years harvest. Mountsberg CA is a very nice spot to discover the "story of sap to syrup". Please find some additional photos here....