Flying High - DC Kite Festival

[peacetraveler22]

When I was a kid, I often flew kites in the open fields of historic Civil War battlegrounds in my hometown. Always an immediate thrill when the kite would take flight and start dancing in the sky. Since then I've been fascinated by objects in flight - kites, planes, hot air balloons, etc. Perhaps these childhood adventures were early indicators that I'd one day spend a lot of time in the sky, journeying from place to place, craving constant exploration in the same way a kite longs for the wind.

Over the weekend, DC held its annual kite festival as part of the month long Cherry Blossom Festival. I was pleased to check out this remarkable event, held on the grounds of the Washington Monument.

1. Although the origins of the kite aren't set in stone, it's believed they originated in China over 2,000 years ago. People come from all over America, and other parts of the world, to attend the annual festival in DC. This year we were very lucky to have amazing spring weather and great wind for the flyers. Every variation of kites was present, from basic kid kites to intricate home made creations. Lots of fish designs.



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3. The crowd was in constant amazement at the exhibitions, everyone looking up and not watching where they were walking. Actually it was a bit dangerous at times, with feet getting tangled in kite strings or kites quickly crashing down when the wind subsided. In the background here is the World War II Memorial, with its signature wreaths.



4. Everyone in a festive mood.



5. Some of the coolest and largest kites were part of an "aquarium" theme exhibition, which included a scuba diver, octopus and fish. It's really hard to convey the wonder of these kites in a photograph. However, it's a major undertaking to get such massive structures in flight and kites this large had many handlers.



6. There also were some original designs with very vibrant colors, this one being one of my favorites.



7. Aye aye, captain! Time to set sail. A lot of work to get some of these kites in the air, but of course much easier with the smaller ones.



8. A big family with four kids struggled with this kite. I watched them for about fifteen minutes trying to get the kite in the air. When it finally launched, the kids went crazy. Immense joy and smiles. Very cool to see this bug flying at the top of the Monument, its two eyes directly adjacent to the Monument windows. :)



9. It's sad so many adults lose their sense of wonder in the chaos of life, but in children this is a constant trait. They were the most entertaining participants in the crowd and many were trying to operate their own kites with the help of parents. This little girl was so sweet and precious, I just wanted to scoop her up and give her a big hug!



10. My kite, always been tied to the peace sign and have it tattooed on my shoulder since university.



11. Many of the kite operators would let children take the strings at various times.



12. Pictured below is the official Cherry Blossom kite, a looped design with the signature blossoms engraved on each section. To provide some background, the cherry blossom trees were given to DC by the Mayor of Tokyo in 1912 to enhance the growing relationship between Japan and the U.S. The Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year to celebrate the arrival of spring, drawing millions of tourists from all over America and the world. The Festival lasts several weeks, with various cultural events, parades and food festivals. The trees are not yet in full bloom, but they are expected to peak next week. If there is interest, I can go early one morning to photograph the trees before the crowds arrive. They sit along the Tidal Basin, near the Jefferson Memorial.



13. Local kite club.



14. Kite club from New Jersey with colorful flags.



15. This kite was my favorite. It wasn't the most intricate, but I really liked the design and got to speak with the owner for awhile. His name is Samir, pictured beside the kite here. He immigrated to America from India about 15 years ago and has been flying kites since childhood. He ventured into professional kite flying when he became inspired by his uncle who flies back in India. Both Samir and his uncle belong to kite clubs in America and India, respectively, and represent their countries at various competitions. They collaborate to create the designs, purchase the fabric and then a tailor completes the job by stitching the masterpiece together.



16. These men drew quite the crowd, with their intricate design consisting of fans inside the circular components of the kite. My second favorite kite.



17. Great concentration amongst the professional and amateur kite flyers.



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19. Common sense on how to stay safe at such an event, but in case you have none organizers happily tell you how to avoid injury.



20. Beautiful stars and stripes! In America, you will see flags EVERYWHERE. Government buildings, police stations, gas stations, private homes. I remember noticing the absence of flags in Russia. I think someone told me it's against the law for citizens to fly the Russian flag at their homes but maybe I'm mistaken. Completely foreign concept to Americans, and I have no idea why such a law would exist. Maybe all you natives can explain, especially the patriots who show such great love for the motherland.



21. More kites...



22. In motion...Notice the scaffolding on the Washington Monument? It began a few weeks ago and will soon reach the top as repairs are being made from a freak earthquake we had in 2011. So sorry for all the tourists coming to DC this summer, as the scaffolding is a major eye sore in a very lovely part of the city. I stare at it every night from my apartment window.



23. Some of the people in the crowd also very decorative! I love the design on this woman's headscarf.



24. Woman in the crowd, quite beautiful (at least to me).



25. Happy couple enjoying a nice picnic and scenery. This is a perfect date to me, sitting on the lawn, eating and watching kites on a beautiful afternoon. Very nice people. I spoke to them for awhile and discovered they are recent newlyweds.  Btw, the doughnuts in the box - Krispy Kreme - are delicious! If you come to America be sure to try them.



Last week I was very tired, run down and a bit frustrated. So it was nice to get out, enjoy the spring weather and relive childhood memories of running through fields. Now I have to find someone to take a hot air balloon ride with me! Friends and family are too scared. Who wants to come to America and join me? :)

For more on my love of flight, you can read my very first LJ post. Back when I had one subscriber, my great friend zavkafedroi, who inspired me many years ago to start traveling and writing again. http://peacetraveler22.livejournal.com/3696.html