Meieiki Party

Last Saturday one of the schools I've been to a couple times had a party for staff, English teachers and students (who are old enough to drink of course). We met outside the school at 7:30 and then followed the school director to a secret location. It was just an izukaya (traditional Japanese style restaurant) down the street and around the corner, but no one knew where we were going until we got there. Then we had nomihoudai (all you can drink) for 2 hours and the beverage just started flowing. Every time we were in danger of running out, a staff member would appear from no where with another giant bottle of beer.

This photo was taken at the party. On the left is Kate (who I met on the plane to Japan), Yumi giving the double "v" for victory (she works at Meieiki and was supplying everyone with booze), and I guess you the the character on the right.

A few things about partying with the Japanese: At work they are always very businesslike and serious, but when it's time for the work party they really let loose (an izukaya seems to be the only place it's acceptable to be as loud as foreigners). It takes only about 2 drinks to make most of them really drunk. In short, they work hard, they play hard. After the izukaya students and teachers alike stumbled down the street to a bar across the street from the school. It was a little weird to be encouraged to drink with people who are supposed to think of you as a teacher, but apparently that's how work parties go down in Japan.

In other news, this week will not be fun for me. We have entered the gap schedule which means that I won't be a sub everyday anymore which is great, but because of when my old day off and my new day off are I don't get a day off at all this week. We have about a week and a half until the new schedule starts so they fill the in between time with Free Time Lessons (which are 40 minutes and students just come in a sign up for them whenever they want). At least in my new schedule I only have one sub shift day now (Mondays). That's all for now.