Bou Nenkai
"Bou nenkai" = end of the year party. (Earlier I had mistaken it for "Bon enkai") It started with the staff of Iwa Senior High piling onto a tour bus at 8:00 am Saturday, December 3rd. We were lookin' forward to an 8 hour bus ride! Yup! We drove 8 hours to the southern end of Honshu. Since most of the weekend was spent on the bus, people started passing out booze and snacks as soon as we pulled out of the driveway. "Work hard, play harder" is a fitting motto. We stopped for lunch, had more beer, and got back on the bus. By the time we reached Yamaguchi prefecture, it was around 4 or 5 pm.
Before checking into the hotel, we visited the largest cave in Japan! It was amazing, and well worth the wait. We spent an hour hiking through in admiration.
After the cave, we checked into a very posh, very traditional Japanese-style hotel. I've never felt softer futons, or seen prettier flower arrangments. I stayed in a room with 4 other female staff, and Mike stayed with the guys. Here's the view from Mike's window...
After soaking in the hotel's onsen (large public bath), almost everyone changed into "yukatas". These are light robes that look like summer kimonos.
Finally, the REAL "Bon Enkai"...
We feasted on dish after beautiful dish. The food came as fast as the beer and sake. We ate the infamous blowfish, which is called "fugu" in Japanese. the Fugu sashimi had a light, citrus-y taste. Very good. I highly recommend it if you ever get the chance.
And what's a party in Japan without Karaoke and Bingo?! Mike joined in with Hirota-sensei...
The party ended around 9 pm or so. After rescuing Mike from the party next door (stayed tuned; Mike should add a comment about this), we headed to the hotel bar. Our tour guide did magic tricks while we drank cocktails. I think there was a green-tea martini, but I can't remember. Go figure.
The bus ride home was pretty quiet. Any drinking was just to calm the hangovers, I'm sure. Even though I'm not a heavy drinker, it was an awesome time. It was definately a bonding experience for all of the teachers, and Mike is now a popular topic of conversation.
