Several women and one rock hard center

Thursday night, I joined several bubbly middle-aged woman and one quiet man for a drinking party in my honor. The party was being hosted by the Ariake International Society, the group that had supported my stay here by giving me free tickets to many cultural events, including Taiko, a philharmony concert, a Kabuki performance, and other events. The head of this group is, of course, my good friend, Etsuko.

The last time I'd visited this particular izakaya(small tavern, usually specializing in raw and cooked fish) was with the teachers from Arao #2 Junior High. If you remember, the teachers of #2 and I got along particularly well. I think this is due to the fact that the izakaya's beers were bigger than any I remember in Japan. Needless to say, the ladies and man of the International Society and I also got along splendidly.

The highlight of the evening was the arrival of a giant Tai fish cooked in soy, mirin, sugar, salt and sake. The head came to me, complete with eye. I knew that as the guest of honor, I was supposed to eat and enjoy that eyeball.

I waited until the rest of the fish had been picked away, my stomach and mind making inner preparations. The eyeball itself was glazed over, and the cushioning surrounding it had taken on a grapefruit Jello-esque appearance. Finally, Etsuko and I made a deal. If I ate the eyeball, she would eat the eyeball gook. She didn't seemed thrilled, but seemed to understand.

The conversation had turned to 'beach volleyball'. It seemed that beach volleyball in America was played on actual beaches, whereas in Japan the term 'beach' didn't really imply a beach. They all whole-heartedly agreed that a better term for 'beach volleyball' in Japan is 'beach ball volley,' to my utter delight.

The eyeball was very hard and crunchy. It had a chalky consistency, and overall, a mildy pleasant aroma and after taste. I tried to chew the core and finally gave up and spit it out. It was hard as a rock.

That night, under the influence of fish eyeballs and Japanese whiskey, I had a chance to reflect on Wednesday's visit and job application to the girl's high school. My reflections were overwhelmingly positive.
Today still, under the influence of heavy rain, my reflections remain the same. They will give their decision this coming week.