Work dinner

It was a coworker's last day so the office went out for a farewell dinner. A nice set menu which included veggie appetizer, sashimi, fish, steak, rice dish, oyster tempura and dessert. Coupled with drinks and conversation it quickly approached midnight which is around when the last train runs. For most people in Tokyo, this means you take a taxi home (can get very expensive if you live far) or stay out until 5am for first train. It being a Thursday, we didn't do the Karaoke thing and took cabs home. I just so happened to not have any cash on me (very rare, I always make sure to have cash in Japan) but luckily most taxis take credit card. It is sometimes hard to find an ATM that takes US bank cards.

I find the Japanese lighthearted culture of going out with coworkers and getting smashed really amusing and entertaining. There is no such thing as drinking too much or making a fool of yourself. They use drinking as a good excuse to basically do anything. And it is hilarious that there is no shame to exceeding your drinking limits and puking anywhere. What an odd society. When I got out of the cab, there was a guy sitting in the entrance of some building next to his puke. He was wiping off his shoes with a tissue and proceeded to get up, dust himself off, and walk off like it was just an average day. Not a soul even looked his way when passing by (besides me).

Kenn and I are taking a trip to Hakone this weekend. We decided to book a tour (same one Amy did without the Kyoto part) to eliminate the hassle of getting there, choosing where to go, getting around, and finding accomodation. We leave Saturday morning, go to Mt Fuji welcome center and the 5th station. Then proceed to Hakone where the views of Mt Fuji are great in good weather and the area is beautiful. Staying at a hotel on Lake Ashi with traditional onsen (hot spring) and then have Sunday to explore whatever we like until we have to catch the train back to Tokyo Sunday night. Can't wait for the short getaway!