Culture：Stranger at hanami party
【明報專訊】This time the Smarties have only one mission — to enjoy in Japan the transient beauty of cherry blossoms (櫻花). Does everything go well?
“ MoMo: I've got ready everything we need at our picnic party! ”
“ Bill: Let's find a nice spot and settle down. ”
“ Pat: The music is so disturbing! I've got to know who is so inconsiderate! ”
■Culture tips
Cherry blossoms bloom all over Japan between March and May every year. Cherry blossom viewing, known as "hanami (花見)" in Japanese, often involves a picnic party with family and friends. Japanese usually make elaborate preparations for their hanami parties. They bring their own picnic sheets, foldable chairs, foods and drinks. It is bad manners to reserve more space than you need when you have a hanami party. It is advised that people should keep the environment clean and decent and not to leave any garbage behind or play loud music.
(See photo C )
■English highway﹕garbage
"Garbage" is another word for rubbish or litter. It is an uncountable noun. It is commonly used in American English.
e.g. The garbage is under the sink.
■Glossary
transient (adj) 短暫的
settle down (phr v) 舒服地坐下
bloom (v) 開花
elaborate (adj) 精心計劃的
