Well, our group at work did well and the company employees received a bonus, or just a few did. Anyways, we had a party last night, and the shain(社員） discounted it a bit for us, so 1500y ($11) for two and half hours all you can drink/eat. Maybe it was also a summer celebration party, thats what I call it.
The restaurant was nice, had kind of a 70s sterile retro feel to it, with a large open deck in front. The food was mediocre and not enough for the 40 people that were there. But this was kind of expected as I think the restaurant is only equipped to handle about half of this. The alcohol was mixed well, even though it was crappy tequila and vodka.
Now to rant a bit.
In the office, my team is all gaijin. With the exception of a new guy that is technically japanese, but spent the past 8 or so years living in canada. So our interaction with other employees is usually strictly work related or a simple “How are you today?” There are some exceptions to this, people that I know personally or have drunk with on numerous occasions have no problem interacting with me.
This leads to the rant. You don’t have to get drunk to be friendly to me. I understand the fear of having to speak english, or lord forbid listen to me butcher your native tongue. But it can be done in the office, minus the 5 shots of tequila. In fact, this would probably make our interaction more enjoyable when we are drinking together.
A few people that have said no more then a sentence to me in the past six were overtly friendly last night. Not that I am complaining, I always welcome attention, but it is just so funny to me.
Anyways, highlight of the nights include getting asked about body shots, watching “Billy’s Bootcamp” (Tae Bo) being projected onto a wall, getting asked who in the office I would “like to nail” and a closing exchange with guy that went like this:
Him “皆さん、お疲れ様です。時間がちょと。。。二次会に行きましょう。。Outside.. Eric.. outside…” < Everyone, its been fun, but now its time. Lets go to the second party..>
Me : “白菜？ <hakusai>”
Him : ” Outside!”
Me : “白菜 outside?”
Him : “白菜”
Me : “Outside?”
I think when you’re drunk they sound the same, especially over a crappy PA system. It was fun for a few more exchanges…
I am going to Akita-ken this weekend. Leaving tonight to visit my friends home town and stay with her family. I am looking forward to it, she lives near the ocean and Akita is supposed to have some of the best beaches in Honshu. I cannot wait to lay out and sun.
* 白菜 is chinese cabbage.. maybe it is also called hakusai in america, I do not recall.