Things I'll miss when I leave...
1) Nomikais!!
Where else can you go drinking with coworkers
several years
your senior and still have as much fun getting drunk as if you
were barhopping
with college friends? Always guaranteed to have a wacky time.
2) Karaoke!
Usually the 'second location' for nomikais.
With large screen
TVs displaying the words while cheesy 80 style video plays in
the background
(its always the same) and acoustics that always make you
sound good. Everyone
thinks your talented just for being able to pronounce
the words. And when else
can you get a standing ovation for both Karma
Chameleon and Aerosmith?
3) 7-11's
Sure they have them back home. but its just not the
same, the ones here
sell real food. The one down the street always has a
gourmet selection of desserts.
Sure I don't eat the grilled octopus or cod
roe, but I could, and that's what's so
intriguing. I do however, eat the
onigiri and dumplings. If it weren't for my local
7-11, I'd probably starve.
4) Hokka Hokka-Te
The local bento shop. 500 for my favorite
tonkatsu and rice.
Its like gourmet fast food. only cheaper. mmmm.....
5) Mass transportation
five minute walk to the train station,
never have to stop
for gas, and the perfect nap time. Always climate
controlled. Never need a
designated driver either.
6) Elementary school
students Sure I'll miss
my older kids too, but the shogakusei
deserve special mention. They are just too unbearably cute. And always happy
to
see me. They never cease to surprise or amuse me with the stuff they come out with.
My
favorite was the little boy who was supposed to introduce himself and shake my
hand, and instead stared
at me and stuck his finger up his nose.
7)