University of Wisconsin–Madison

USA: Hope Karnopp (A New Experience)

On a blustery weekend in late March, the heart of D.C. was flooded with people. Thousands of tourists took buses and bikes, taxis and trains, to the Tidal Basin to see one thing: the annual cherry blossoms.

The domed white marble Jefferson Memorial sits across the water, where pink and white cherry blossoms take up the foreground.
A cherry blossom branch at Tidal Basin, overlooking the Jefferson Memorial.

I had patiently waited for the cherry blossoms to reach peak bloom, when their branches become fluffy and vibrant. In the weeks before, pockets of pink had just started to peek out. On this Tuesday morning, the trees lined the pond of water and beautifully contrasted with the white marble monuments.

I was lucky enough to have my parents visit me in D.C. that weekend, when the cherry blossoms were at their best. It wasn’t easy to navigate the city with so many tourists, but the views were worth it. I had waited all semester to take photos of the trees in peak bloom, and I had to hold my camera tightly in the breeze.

Seeing the cherry blossoms was the experience I looked forward to most this semester, and it did not disappoint. Despite their grumblings about tourists flooding Metro stations, D.C. locals are proud of their cherry blossoms. Souvenirs, special events, and sports jerseys are designed just to celebrate a few special weeks in spring.

There are benefits to participating in Wisconsin in Washington in all seasons, but I would highly recommend joining in spring. Seeing the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin is a common bucket list item, and it is incredible to watch how they bloom throughout your time in the city.

 

Hope smiles wearing an orange sweater in front of a blurred tree.

Hope Karnopp

Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin

Major: Journalism

Program: Wisconsin in Washington