Adventures in Japan

Empty Orchestra

Pretty lazy past few days. We've been applying for jobs and such, and that's about it. As have all the nice people we've met here at the Orange House. Tina, a nice 24 year old from Toronto, already has a job (or two) but wants one that sucks less. Dave, a 29 year old Scottish bloke, had a job for a couple of years but got sick of it and is looking for something better. Bryan, I forget how old he is but remember that he is from Colorado, doesn't have the proper visa to work in Japan so is instead taking off for Korea. Dave and Bryan decided one night, whilst drunk, that a group of us from the Orange House should go out and Karaoke. "Why not?" thought Carla and I, even though we were not drunk.

It took about a week, but we went out Karaoke-ing. The way it works over here is that you rent out a room, for a certain hourly rate. In exchange, you get the room and an unlimited amount of certain, specified booze. Good deal. We rented a room and got right to it. The drinking I mean. And karaoke-ing as well. Dave had a pretty good voice. Bryan not so much, but he had a lot of heart. Carla didn't sing any song by herself. I absolutely slaughtered Informer by Snow. Tina showed up later and sang mainly backup vocals. The drinks kept coming, as did the munchies. And the hits. A lot of Johnny Cash. Some U2. Loser by Beck. Hey Jude may very well be the best karaoke song ever. King of the Road was a pick of Carla's and it went over quite well. Another pick of Carla's that was not as well received was when she ordered our drinks. We're not quite sure what they were. All I know is that it knocked Carla's socks off. Into a toilet filled with vomit. I spent the rest of the night either singing quick bits of songs or talking to Carla through the stall door. Or trying to explain to Japanese girls what I was doing in the girl's washroom.

The walk home weren't that much fun neither. Today was spent recuperating. A lot of soup, water and toast was consumed. The bread here in Japan is mainly cut in Texas style slices. The best way to toast a Texas slice is to butter it before you toast it. It comes out butter saturated. Yummy. Using a toaster oven is advised.