Will and Phil picked me up around 10 p.m. We drove to Higashira. The izakaya is run by a man named Hayato. He's a hilarious character with movie-star hair that never moves. He made us tasty dishes as we chatted to everyone in the restaurant. We stayed until three in the morning. At one point, a lady entered the place and sat next to Will. She was more than drunk. She slapped Will several times on the back. Later, he started slapping her in return. We ate until it hurt and laughed at Hayato's "English jokes." I was treated to dishes and drinks on the house, called service, because it was my first time.
Afterward, we walked about thirty feet to the Snack ran by Hayato's wife. Snacks are notorious in Japan, but they come in all different styles. This one was more of a karaoke bar. We sang hard and long into the mics. Sounds from long ago, songs of nostalgia. We brought the party.
It wasn't until Hayato's wife said, "Next is last song," did I notice the sunlight against the windows. I finished the night with "Dust in the Wind" and we vacated the building into a brisk morning air. The sky was already yellow and clear, promising a beautiful day. We crashed in Will's apartment. I barely slept. We were up again by ten and heading for the bakery where we feasted on bread and bagels and hot dogs.
Driving home, Will veered onto a tiny street to explore a hidden patch of land. He is a fiend for adventures. We found a secluded pond and a peaceful waterfall before turning back.
My throat burning and my head spinning, I collapsed into bed and sank into sleep - sunlight flooded through my curtain-less window.
Today I participated in PE for the first time. The students were playing baseball. I initially went to watch, but the sensei on duty called me up to the plate. I hit a double and received more praise than was warranted.
It's a beautiful day in Japan.
