Friday Night and Look-a-like

Tonight was that most auspicious of occasions when I venture into the nearby city to do my laundry. Glamorous right? you think that living abroad is all eating gross things and taking fabulous vacations. I have to do regular person things too! Anyway, I went into Nirasaki to use the dryers at the laundromat. In the meantime, I decided to go to dinner with the only other person in Yamanashi that appreciates country music. Luckily he is a good conversationalist.

Can't figure it out? I am talking about myself. I got talking about country music last week with some other ALTs which got me curious as to who in the prefecture likes the like of Garth, Tim, Alan, and George. I asked on the forums and the answer came back...no one. I am alone here. I knew I stood apart being the only Mormon, Utahan, and Jazz fan, but I didn't think I would be the only one with a fine appreciation for songs that tell the stories of my people. Oh well. I may have mentioned it before, but I feel like I go through double culture shock here in Japan. I have the culture shock of being around other international and different foreigners as well as the Japanese. As to country music, I love it and I think I can help explain why...actually, Jeff Foxworthy does it well in this video: 

I like this video. It is a little high-minded about how great country music, but I think it helps grab some of the essence of how I feel about it. I can't say that I have always been a fan because I haven't. Luckily I dated a girl who liked country music. The girl is long gone, but the music remains. 

While I was waiting for my laundry to dry, I took myself out for a nice dinner at Coco's Restaurant. I went there once with a friend and was super impressed. Here is the think that helps make Coco's so amazing: it has pebbled ice and Coke Zero with all you can drink! That is huge in this country! Also they have some of the best hot chocolate I have ever tasted. I tried my best to drink my weight in it while I was there. Not bad for 189 yen. 

Here you can see the delicious sampler of (surprisingly) delicious sausages, fried chicken, and possibly the best french fries I have had in Japan thusfar. In the picture you can see my hot chocolate and Coke Zero...that is just how I roll.

While I was getting a refill on my sweet Coke Zero, a couple of high schoolers passed by me and said a bunch of things I couldn't understand. One thing I did understand though, suteeben sugaru. I am now an expert at recognizing western words through the Japanese filter and I can tell you with assurity that he was saying Steven Seagal. Yep. I thought to myself, "that is a weird thing to say." The two of them then continued to stare at me as I walked away. They thought I look like Steven Seagal. Cool?

After perusing pictures of Steven Seagal, I should have knocked that kid out with a Steven Seagal karate chop for saying such a slanderous comment.

After my meal and the comment on my look-a-like, I guessed that old Steven Seagal deserved a delicious banana crepe. What Steven Seagal wants, Steven Seagal gets...

I can say this about the night. The conversation was good, and at the end I didn't regret spending money on the activity (which is more than I can say for many dates I have been on...HIYO!). Now I am capping it off by watching the Two Towers. Jealous?