Signs of spring.

Cherry blossoms downtown across the street from the Sokcho Bus Terminal

Close-up
Flowering tree in a clan village north of Sokcho--note the puppy in the barrel
Cherry blossom "tunnel" on the way to Seoraksan
Flowering tree at our church friend Paul's home

It's officially cherry blossom season here in Korea. These trees are so gorgeous, and many tourists flock to Sokcho to check them out and take photographs. There are several areas of the city (like Seoraksan, Yeongnangho, etc.) where there are cherry blossom trees lining the streets, and it feels like passing underneath a snowy bower. Initially, when they first started to bloom, we had sunny skies and warm temperatures. It has since gotten cold, gray, and windy, which only hastens the life of the cherry blossom tree. Everyone is trying to get out to one of the best areas to get pictures of them before they pass! Last year they only lasted about 2 weeks, and I bet this year will be about the same! The ones in the mountains will last a bit longer, but I've already seen many around town completely green.
Our friend Jong Mahn was kind enough (per the suggestion and urging of his wife, Viviana) to treat us to lunch today at Seorak Sketch, a cafe on the back road to Seoraksan, where we had donkkaseu, ice cream, and coffee. Then we took a lengthy drive through all the blooming cherry blossoms near Seoraksan, where they are full, white, and gorgeous. They look especially striking at night against the lamp posts.