Focus On… Cherry Blossoms

It’s the most wonderful time of the year- well for cherry blossoms that is. The first time I had ever seen them in any form was in anime. The characters in these stories always revered or cherished these light pink flowers that bloom in the spring. It’s always an indication of a new beginning. Perhaps that reverence for the flower rubbed off on me. One of my largely anticipated experiences while studying abroad was getting to see them with my own eyes. I’d waited and waited then bloom.It happened.

Oddly enough, my first time seeing cherry blossoms wasn’t a trip solely focused on seeing the flower. During my first weeks in Seoul, a cultural immersion session talked about a famous bell that was created in honor of King Seongdeok. As a tourist and lover of exploration, I immediately knew that I’d make it my mission to see this bell in person and hear its famous ring. It‘s said that the ring of the sacred bell could bring peace to the soul. This bell had all the check marks. Historically built in 771-check. Having some sacred or spiritual connection-check. Justifying some montage and Instagram worthy adventure- check. 

I’d floated the idea around and I thought it would be a solo adventure. To my surprise, one of my classmates was interested in going. Okay, she wasn’t interested,she was sold. I guess she realized how cool seeing a thousand year old bell would be.Then it clicked, we weren’t just going south to see a bell. We were also going south to see cherry blossoms. My urge to see the bell that weekend coincided with optimal cherry blossom visibility. 

Saturday morning,my alarm went off bright and early because we’d intended to make this a day trip. No hotels, no overnight stays, none of that. At 4:45am, my alarm went off. The usual Harry Potter sound filled my room. Before I knew it I was ready-ish. I looked at my Afro and sprayed some water as if that would activate and transform it into outdoor mode. After hydrating my ‘fro with much needed water, I was ready.Arriving downstairs, I found my classmate patiently waiting for me. We booked it and took the bus to Seoul Station. 

Stepping off the bus, I knew we were good. It was 6pm and our bullet train departed at 6:30am. This train ride was the furthest south I’ve gone during my time here. The views on the way there did not disappoint. As I journeyed south, I saw more and more cherry blossoms. There’s a lot to learn from cherry blossoms. As if by clockwork, the blooming of these heavenly flowers only occurs once a year. And what’s more, is that as fast as they bloom, the petals gently float to ground below. A gentle reminder of the fleetingness of our humanity. 

Arriving in Gyeongju was one of those moments like wait, I’m really not in Seoul. I was in the southern countryside. If Seoul gives detailed accounts on where your bus was, then in Gyeongju they tell you there should be a bus at some point that day. That’s it. No estimates. It just so happened upon our arrival a bus would be able to get us to the vicinity we needed to get to.

I felt an excitement building in me. The moment I saw a single cherry blossom tree within distance, I had to take a photo.

But actually arriving down a row of cherry blossoms on both sides of the street left me speechless. Everyone there was seeking the perfect picture. I was too. I mean these flowers only come around once a year. I caught myself thinking that maybe I should focus on the moment at hand. However, I couldn’t leave Gyeonju without having documented this auspicious occasion. 

Bet, you’re wondering or maybe you’ve forgotten. The original intention of this journey was to see the sacred bell. Yes, I indeed saw the bell. Truly, grateful to have seen the bell but emphasis on the visual aspect of seeing it. 

You see, in my efforts of preparing for the trip it had totally slipped my mind that the bell was no longer in use. Much to my surprise of arriving at the bells outdoor enclosure, I heard a ring coming from the speaker. Then I remembered they haven’t rung it since the 90s. All in all, the adventure I anticipated was not the same journey I embarked upon. I guess that’s how our lived experiences often play out. Regardless, of whatever expectations I held versus the actual reality, the sight of the cherry blossoms and the bell made my travels all the more worthwhile.