Got a few new faces around the kencho. Yesterday was my first day in the office with all the newbies and I have to say, there are quite a few of 'em. In an office of about 25 people getting about 8 or 9 new bodies really mixes things up a bit. For me, anyway. I am sure they are all used to this process.
During the day yesterday not one of them came to me to introduce him or herself. I wondered about this but didn't think too much of it, though, given the language barrier and the fact that at the end of the day we'd be having a welcome party. I figured it would all get done there.
And it did. Last night we had a party and I got to meet most of them. In fact, I got to meet a few people who don't work in this office. I have no idea why those people were there. Three girls I met work at the information desk in the main building. Why they were at our "private schools division" party I have no idea. But they were nice gals and seemed to enjoy meeting me. One of them spoke very good English as she lived in Australia for two years a few years ago. Of course, this just led to my embarrasment for not being able to speak her langugage but she didn't seem to care. She actually told me that wants to go back and live in Australia again but her husband of one year isn't too keen on the idea. Oh, and regarding her marriage and my question as to how long she'd been married she told me, "One year...so it is still good." Heh heh. Had to laugh at that one.
Anyway, was a good party once it got going. One of my favorite parts happened when one of the guys that has been here a year came over to me to fill my glass--this is gesture of friendship in this country that perhaps America could learn from but one that I find rather strange at times nonetheless--anyway, he came over to me, and fairly early in the night, to fill me up and said very loudly, "MAH-KAHS! ARE YOU DRINKING?!" and offered me some beer from the large bottle he was holding. I just laughed and said, "Of course" to which he then laughed and repeated, "HA HA! OF COURSE!" Then after he finished topping off my glass he said "AH MAH-KAHS, I LOVE YOU!" and laughed and laughed and then hugged me. It was quite touching in a weird sort of way. But I really do like this guy. He's fun.
After the main party some of us went out to "party number two" which ended up being in a bar decorated with "western" stuff: a poster of Clint Eastwood from one of his western films, a wagon wheel hanging from the ceiling, a rifle behind the bar, a couple horseshoes hanging on the walls, lots of wood, etc etc etc. Was interesting but well done.
They also had a stage on which sat a kareoke maching with microphones and all and after just ten minutes in the place the twelve people or so I was with talked yours truly into breaking the ice and singing the first song. So I did and after that almost everyone took a turn during the next three hours, which also saw me return to the spotlight twice. I'm getting to be an old hand at this kareoke business. I don't even get nervous anymore.
So that was that and I was home by midnight. Smartest move I made last night, though, was sticking to beer. Why they had the party on a Monday night I can't figure but we all had to be here today and I did not want to feel bad. So beer only it was for me. And I feel fine. But my yelling/hugging friend might not have taken such wise precautionary measures. He's not here today. Heh heh.