International Embassy and Cultural Events in Washington DC (March 27th - April 2nd)

↞ Rewinding the Week (March 20th - March 26th) ↞

Spring time is finally here! With the retreat of the cold weather brings together a mixture of blossoming flowers, large touristic crowds, and pure sunshine with blue skies. Although a quick word of warning, the spring season in DC is prone to sporadic bursts of torrential rain and wind from time to time (or so I have heard from fellow friends and family)!

The Cherry Blossom Festival is an ongoing series of events that lasts until April 6th, 2023 with large crowds drawn to the flowers finally coming into bloom. It would seem the latest sunny days have finally allowed the blossoms to reach their true form of beauty. Be sure to get out there and enjoy the flowers, crowds, and positive vibes!

Event Highlight: The Embassy of Kazakhstan (March 23rd)

I have never visited Kazakhstan before but I have heard wondrous things about its citizens, culture, and scenic landscapes. The Embassy of Kazakhstan on Thursday, March 23rd was gorgeous with the interior walls having floral patterns strewn across rooms, impressive chandeliers, and a mini-museum in the back with a yurt as well as Kazakhstani clothing. As always, the folks at Things To Do DC welcomed us at the front of the embassy on a warm and sunny day. We stepped into the threshold and had a series of performances from the Kazakhstani folk music band known as the Turan Ensemble. The band was composed of five members with each person having their own popular folk instrument including the dombra, zhetigen, kobyz, sybyzgy, sherter, shankobyz, and some others. All five individuals demonstrated an extreme prowess for the musical arts as the entire crowd was captivated by the acoustical talents of the group.

Afterwards, we were invited to sample Kazakhstani food of which the desert section was my favorite. There was a “sponge cake” type of desert that was so sweet and alluring to taste. In-between meals, attendees of the event were invited to explore the mini-museum in another room which had a yurt, Kazakhstani clothing on mannequins, and instruments on a table. It was a festive event involving a lot of socializing with friendly individuals and the trying on of Kazakhstani clothing. Apparently, I was considered a “regular” by the Things To Do DC staff at their embassy events by how frequently I was showing up which earned a chuckle from me.

Thanks to both Things To Do DC and the Embassy of Kazakhstan for such a great night!

Event Highlight: Cherry Blossom Kite Festival and Sakura Taiko Fest (March 26th)

I have always found the day after a rainstorm or downpour to be quite therapeutic with the sun shining once again. On Sunday March 26th, the crowds of enthusiastic people were out in full force eager to experience the two events of the Cherry Blossom Festival: the Blossom Kite Festival and Sakura Taiko Fest. As a prelude to the Kite Festival, one could hypothetically show up to the Capitol Hilton near the Farragut North metro stop to grab some free coffee, cookies, and a kite if you were lucky. I arrived at the Hilton by 9AM and they barely had any coffee left which was insane. The employee manning the desk mentioned they ran out of kites 20 minutes after they opened the stall up at 8AM as well as the cherry blossom themed cookies. I was disappointed but pressed on with my free cup of coffee afterwards.

The Washington Monument grounds were awash with kites of varying designs and colors in the air which was amazing to see. Families to couples brought either their own kites or bought some last-minute ones from vendors who were selling them for 10 bucks a piece (hustlers to the end). Along with several others, I watched an impressive series of demonstrations from a team of individuals who were professional kite flyers for over 40 years! In addition, the Sakura Taiko Fest was happening on the other side of the monument also drawing a large spectacle. I watched a variety of taiko performances from groups such as MHTX to Oto-Wa Taiko although it had to be afar since the crowds were suffocating.

Despite the large amounts of people sifting through everywhere, it was a great day full of performances both on the kite and taiko sides! I cannot wait to see what future events lie in store for the Cherry Blossom Festival as we get closer to April.

International Events (March 27th - April 2nd)

Check out the following international embassy and cultural events happening from March 27th to April 2nd below! As a reminder, here is the color scheme for this week’s issue:

• International Club of DC = Orange Highlight

• Things To Do DC = Green Highlight

• Eventbrite = Red Highlight

• Cherry Blossom Festival = Pink Highlight

Monday, March 27th, 2023

1. Greece: A Strong Ally at a Time of Geopolitical Threat (FREE!)

   • Time: 3:00PM - 5:00PM

   • Link:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/greece-a-strong-ally-at-a-time-of-geopolitical-threat-tickets-577700847787?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1 

2. Film Screening : Belgian movie Un Monde (FREE!)

   • Time: 7:00PM - 9:30PM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/film-screening-belgian-movie-un-monde-tickets-541238447767?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&lang=en-us&status=30&locale=en_US&internal_ref=social&view=listing 

Tuesday, March 28th, 2023

1. Chinese Movie Screening & Book Talk | 中国八零后电影导演 (中文) (FREE!)

   • Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chinese-movie-screening-book-talk-registration-560892272887?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 

2. Exhibition: My Wife's Life with Plastic (FREE!)

   • Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/exhibition-my-wifes-life-with-plastic-tickets-593000639877?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 

3. 2023 Global Trade Academy Keynote Address and Networking Reception (FREE!) 

   • Time: 6:30PM - 7:30PM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-global-trade-academy-keynote-address-and-networking-reception-tickets-571945583637?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 

Wednesday, March 29th, 2023

1. In-Person at JICC | Understanding Tokyo with Professor Jordan Sand (FREE!) 

   • Time: 6:30PM - 8:30PM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-person-at-jicc-understanding-tokyo-with-professor-jordan-sand-tickets-579645454157?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 

2. Hotel Terminus: The Life and Times of Klaus Barbie (FREE!)

   • Time: 6:00PM - 7:30PM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hotel-terminus-the-life-and-times-of-klaus-barbie-tickets-539337883127?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 

3. Goddess Chocolate Making Class ($33 - $55)

   • Time: 5:30PM - 7:30PM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/goddess-chocolate-making-class-tickets-579579847927?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 

Thursday, March 30th, 2023

1. Leclair, Faure, and Ravel | Chamber Music Concert ($15 - $35)

   • Time: 7:30PM - 9:30PM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leclair-faure-and-ravel-chamber-music-concert-tickets-413095488727?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 

2. Massimo Listri: Italian Wonder (FREE!)

   • Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/massimo-listri-italian-wonder-registration-588455254507?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 

3. Austrian Embassy Viennese Waltz Lessons, Dancing & Austrian Wine Reception ($35 - $49)  

   • Time: 6:00PM - 10:00PM

   • Link:https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx 

4. Celebrate The Cherry Blossom Season with a Festive Evening of Art and Music (FREE!) 

   • Time: 5:30PM - 8:30PM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-the-cherry-blossom-season-with-a-festive-evening-of-art-and-music-tickets-590415126537?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 

Friday, March 31st, 2023

1. La Nuit de la Poésie, 6e édition (FREE!)

   • Time: 7:00PM - 9:00PM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/la-nuit-de-la-poesie-6e-edition-tickets-518028435997?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 

2. Tequila 101: Agave in all It’s Glorious Wonders from Jalisco to Oaxaca ($20)

   • Time: 7:00PM - 9:00PM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tequila-101-agave-in-all-its-glorious-wonders-from-jalisco-to-oaxaca-tickets-477641718237?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 

3. Austrian Embassy Viennese Ball: A Night in Vienna, Live Orchestra, Dancing ($175 - $295) (SOLD OUT but Waitlist!) 

   • Time: 7:00PM - 11:30PM

   • Link:https://www.internationalclubdc.com/specialevents/Viennese-Ball-washington-dc/Viennese-Ball.aspx 

4. Africa Out Loud (FREE!)

   • Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/africa-out-loud-tickets-590097546647?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 

5. Paws & Petals Yappy Hour (FREE!)

   • Time: 5:30PM - 7:30PM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paws-petals-yappy-hour-tickets-565850081827?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

6. TATREEZ INHERITANCE Opening Night ($10 - $25)

   • Time: 5:00PM - 8:00PM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tatreez-inheritance-opening-night-tickets-577497499567?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

7. Massimo Listri: Italian Wonder (Exhibition Reservations) (FREE!)

   • Time: 11:30AM - 12:30PM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/massimo-listri-italian-wonder-exhibition-reservations-tickets-598427170777?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

8. Cherry Night (Multiple Locations!) (FREE!)

   • Time: 7:00PM - 11:00PM

   • Link:https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/cherry-night/?goal=0_395b68c5a2-95d2fc627b-61171206&mc_cid=95d2fc627b&mc_eid=c7b3ceecc4 

Saturday, April 1st, 2023

1. BLACK TIE FIESTA AT THE MEXICAN EMBASSY/CULTURAL INSTITUTE ($125)

   • Time: 8:15PM - 11:45PM

   • Link: https://thingstododc.com/event/mexicoapril2023/ 

2. Rooftop Rosé Wine Tasting Soirée ($105 - $125)

   • Time: 6:00PM - 9:00PM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rooftop-rose-wine-tasting-soiree-tickets-374832372717?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 

3. Tour of the US Capitol ($25)

   • Time: 1:20PM - 3:30PM

   • Link:https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=F54403E8-21C8-4D3E-A2FC-469B72AAD36B 

4. Cuentos y Fandangos (Mexican Cultural Institute) ($180)

   • Time: 10:00AM - 11:00AM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cuentos-y-fandangos-tickets-407525067447?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 

5. SHKR: 2nd Annual Spring Fling Party ($20 - $30)

   • Time: 8:00PM - 3:00AM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shkr-2nd-annual-spring-fling-party-tickets-554497014497?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 

6. Art Blooms at Mosaic (FREE!)

   • Time: 11:00AM - 6:00PM

   • Link: https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/art-blooms-at-mosaic-2/ 

7. The 6821 Quintet Concert (FREE!)

   • Time: 6:00PM - 7:00PM

   • Link:https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/6821-quintet-concert/

8. Japanese Cultural Day (FREE!)

   • Time: 10:00AM - 3:00PM

   • Link:https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/japanese-culture-day/

9. Smithsonian Cherry Blossom Festival (FREE!)

   • Time: 2:00PM - 5:00PM

   • Link:https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/smithsonian-cherry-blossom-festival/ 

Sunday, March 2nd, 2023

1. Eisenhower Under the Stars: Free Stargazing Event with Telescopes (FREE!)

   • Time: 7:30PM - 9:30PM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eisenhower-under-the-stars-free-stargazing-event-with-telescopes-tickets-590440713067?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

2. SHKR: 2nd Annual Spring Fling Party ($20 - $30)

   • Time: 12:00AM - 3:00AM

   • Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shkr-2nd-annual-spring-fling-party-tickets-554497014497?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 

3. Art Blooms at Mosaic (FREE)

   • Time: 11:00AM - 6:00PM

   • Link: https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/art-blooms-at-mosaic-2/ 

4. Sakura Sunday (FREE!)

   • Time: 11:00AM - 6:00PM

   • Link:https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/sakura-sunday/

Final Notes

So, the folks at beehiiv (the platform that this newsletter runs off of) built a new feature for COMMENTS! Yes, you read that right! My readers now have the ability to comment on my articles if they so choose. The only thing is that unfortunately you can’t comment on the email version which is what subscribers usually get! But if you ever do like what you read, be sure to leave a comment on the web version!

In the meantime…

1. Please follow us on Instagram (@embassylifeindc) if you haven’t already.

2. Comment on the web version of this post through the website.

3. Have a great time with the Google Calendar (https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=ZW1iYXNzeWxpZmVpbmRjQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ)

Sincerely,

Embassy Life in DC Team