Colleen, who reports from Japan, was on vacation this week from her job teaching English in a private school. She traveled by bus from Tokushima to Fukushima to see friends.

After saying good-bye to her friends, Colleen went to the Fukushima train station. Needing coffee, she bought a aisu (iced) café latte from Starbucks located in the station. She slipped on her newest Cherry Blossoms cup sleeve to keep her hands dry. It’s her Traveling’ Kup Kollar!

Colleen reporting in from Japan: “The ‘baby blue eyes’ at Hitachi Seaside Park! I walked 30 minutes to the train station, rode the local train, and then hopped the bus to the park. I made it!  There are a gazillion people here, but I managed to find a quiet, little forest path to type this out. Beautiful day!”

Growing like grass, these beautiful flowers are named Nemophila, or Baby Blue Eyes. Once a year from late April to early May, they cover the fields of Hitachi Seaside Park. They’re also found in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The plants are small and delicate, easy to grow, and ideal for rockeries, hanging baskets, pots and under planting. The species is named after Archibald Menzies (1754-1842) who was a Scottish botanist and surgeon.

Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka is a public park attracting many tourists. It has many other blooming flowers year round. You will also find cycling trails and a small amusement park with a Ferris wheel.

Colleen spotted this coffee cart but decided to look for another coffee source that had English written on the menu board. The only English was the cart’s unique name – Sweet Jokers Café!

While waiting for the bus to continue on her travel adventure, Colleen rested with her Kindle. She enjoyed a piece of Hawaiian sweet mochi and refreshing aisu kohi (iced coffee). Next adventure for Colleen and the Travelin’ Cherry Blossoms Kup Kollar - Tokyo!