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Saturday, July 25, 2009
Posted by
Digital Katsu
What's Pink, Green, & Orange, with sweetness all over? No, it's not a watermelon on a ShamWow towel; it's Rachel in her new yukata! Rachel was dying for the opportunity to show off her new yukata, but there were no festivals in which to wear it too. Her time was running out in Japan as well, so she decided to wear the yukata to dinner at the local Coco's Curry House.
As we approached the store, I admired Rachel for her valiant effort to wear her yukata, even if it was just to dinner. There was also a stomach-churning feeling of embarrassment; I didn't think anyone else would wear a yukata to dinner on a normal work day. I have to hand it to Rachel, she didn't seem the least bit phased as we entered the restaurant.
When we entered, we were greeted and shown to our table. There I think Rachel started to feel a little bit uneasy, but we just talked and decided what to eat. The worse part about the whole situation was when our food came. The waitress decided that it would be a shame to get the beautiful yukata dirty, so she made Rachel wear a big bib. I guess they did have a point, but I don't think this helped Rachel feel more at ease.
There was something more eventful that happened that weekend. My Japanese co-worker, Mai, was getting married. I was invited to the after after-party. You might think I felt a little rejected, but I was relieved. If I had been invited to the main wedding I would have had to give the groom and bride a cash present. I just couldn't afford anything at this time. I was glad to participate in the after after-party.
The party was fun and it consisted of a lot of activities that involved everyone and gave people the opportunity to meet each other. I think it was well planned and an open bar wasn't a bad idea either. I was glad I had familiar faces around because I feel awkward in those kinds of situations sometimes. I think everyone had a blast and I had a great time getting to know Catalina a little better. I think we are going to be great friends. Unrelated to the wedding was bowling that weekend at Round One, a fitting end to a great week.
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Sunday, July 12, 2009
Posted by
Digital Katsu
Nothing is permanent. We just have to treasure the moment. We can't live in the same time forever.
As the moment approached towards Ray's inevitable completion of his contract, I was unsure what to expect. Ray had not only been a great co-worker, but an invaluable friend. This being my first real full-time job, I was a novice in most respects, but his guidance and wisdom made the transition from being a college student to a teacher possible. He showed me that teaching is about getting the students to have fun and getting them interested in the subject matter.
To tell you the truth, I was more in Japan for the cultural experience; teaching was always some-what secondary. He inspired me to teach to the best of my ability and that the job, though hard at times, was really rewarding; I would have a lasting impression on these students.
I am also worried about what exactly the new teacher is going to be like. The unknown always gives me some apprehension. Is she kind and fun like the rest of the people I've met so far in Japan? If so, I'm sure we will be great friends. Catalina, are you going to be friend or foe?
This weekend some friends from church decided to have a proper farewell ceremony for Ray. The main organizer of this event was J.P. He's a tall, skinny man who's always dressed properly. Hiding in this skinny build is a man who loves to eat. The past couple of lunches we've had together consisted not only of excellent food, but an amazing show of how the stomach can stretch on a skinny person.
The Brazilian restaurant we went to was located in the city of Hamamatsu. The drive took about an hour, and I fell asleep for most of the ride. I don't know why, but I felt very lethargic after church. Maybe it also had to do with the weather. It began to pour in the morning; Weather in Japan can be very chaotic. It can be a sunny with no clouds in sight on one day, and a typhoon on the next day. A tip for all the people planning to stay for an extended amount of time in Japan: Buy a good umbrella!
After finding the place, we ran out of the van and into the restaurant, trying to avoid getting drenched from the onslaught of island weather. The food at the restaurant was excellent. The menu consisted of all-you-can-eat meat with a salad buffet. The meal was comprised of all kinds of slices of beef, all slowly cooked to perfection, and bathed in it's own juice. There was an amazing selection of meats from different parts of the cow that I wouldn't have even thought to eat. There was a waiter who came out every 5 minutes with a kabob that had another cut of beef. There was also a superb cheese lasagna that really had the good cheese I had been missing while in Japan.
I tried looking for this place again, but I have never found this secluded restaurant since. The restaurant and my dear friend, Ray, will be missed. Hopefully, I will be able to find them both again.
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