Now, where was I? Ah, yes, having trouble with the shower. Well, you'll be pleased to know that the next morning I was able to get hot water and all was right with the world. Still not sure what I was doing wrong except that I will say that the knob is very sensitive and you must have touch when trying to get the whole thing to work. Can't press it down too hard but you do have to press the knob slightly in while turning. Too hard to explain here, but I got it figured out now. So if you come to visit me, I'll get it going for you.
Went down to Fujiyoshida this weekend. Had the last of our welcoming parties for us Yamanashi JETs. Went to a place called Michael's Amercian Pub. Beer selection was a little thin (Asahi, Bud, Corona and Guinness) but it was still fun. Most of the time when we go out as a large group we get what is called a Nomihodai. Nomi means drink and I guess hodai means all you can because that is what we do. You pay a flat rate, say 3000 yen per person and then you've got a set amount of time, usually 2 to 3 hours, to drink all you want. It's a good deal if you are a drinker like me. Sometimes a little food might be included too, but usually not. So most of us guys (and many of the gals too) drink like, well, like we only have 2 to 3 hours left to do so. Of course, you can buy drinks individually after your time runs out, but usually one of the JETs will warn us all when we only have about a half hour left and we will really start pouring it down. It can get quite sloppy. Also, nomihodais come in a a few variations; some are limited to beer, some give you beer and sake, some allow you to order anything on the drinks menu, and like I said, once in a while you'll find one with food. Tabihodai is an all you can eat deal. We haven't done that one as much, for obvious reasons.
Ok, that's all for now. I might write more later this afternoon. By the way, if you are seeing repeats of my friday input to this thing, I am aware of it. I had to edit something and for some reason it decided to publish the thing 3 times. I have taken the steps I am supposed to to get rid of the two extras but for some reason they are stil there. Perhaps they will disappear soon.