My First Drinking Party - Enkai

Or more specifically... kengenkai? (Not sure, but it means welcome party)... it's officially over. Oh man, and how much fun it was. I have to be honest, I was a little worried that it might've been a bit awkward, but the teachers were so nice, warm, accepting... and mostly mad fun and cool!

I'm still a little unsure of what it actually was, but I had an entrance exam... which, I believe I passed. Not sure if it was remembering the students' names, trying everything I was given, trying to speak as much Japanese as possible, or simply being open and receptive to all and everything... but, I'm sure I did well.

They even paid for everything and packed me some soba and meat (after hearing how much I loved it). But, I also think I might've unintentionally given the impression that I'm a charity case. I kept stating that I wasn't rich and was low on cash, but as true as that is... I mostly did it to get laughs. However, it's now occurring to me (after being refused to help chip in, being given leftovers, and being asked if I always eat from convenient stores) that... yeah, I kind of was advertising my lack of money too much. But, I think... or hope... that they realize that I'm young and am transitioning into a solitary, self-providing life in a new country. Regardless, it was very fun and much laughs were had.

I also implemented the answer-avoiding technique we were told about. And, yeah... it does seem to work. They had told us in training if they ask us question too personal or uncomfortable, to simply evade it and usually nobody would have problems. I implemented this technique when the principal asked me to first list the teachers in age order... starting with the oldest, then from the youngest. I did not want to do that, especially when there were two female teachers, so I first busted out by saying I was the oldest, then saying I was the youngest... they picked up on my cues and let it be... heh heh... but, also laughed. When a teacher later went on to state that he was 24, I quickly added that he was the youngest... this got more laughs and my cunningness was complimented.

The party then began to die down... it was Thursday after all... and the teacher that was going to offer me a ride home was ready to leave. Turns out his daughter is also at the school I was at on Tuesday... and in the same club as the other daughter who's dad I work with... but I don't think she was one of the "bery kayuto!" girls since she's in a different grade. I told the teacher dropping me off at the station was okay... and I walked home.]

Yeah... end!