2010 Hanami Picnic

Following our yearly tradition, members and friends of the Australia-Japan Society and Bridge Club Australia gathered in the beautiful Rhododendron Garden in Olinda on Sunday the 19^th of September to enjoy traditional Japanese-style cherry blossom viewing (Hanami).

Unfortunately this year the Australian native Birds had eaten all of the blossoms off the trees, but as it is now spring in Australia, the Daffodils were all out in full bloom. There were also some beautiful Australian wild flowers in bloom too, so we all enjoyed looking at them instead.

Bridge Club Australia organised Japanese games for the children, including the Japanese summer game of suika-wari (a bit like a watermelon piñata).  This involved blind-folded competitors being guided by their team-mates to crack open a watermelon. 

Families and friends also watched an Ikebana flower arranging display and viewed a traditional Tea Ceremony, followed by a picnic lunch in the gardens.

A great time was had by all and we hope the birds stay away from the blossom next year!