business ethics

many of the western folk i know seem drawn to places like japan for a solid ego boost. i think that after they stay so long, this often develops into an ego problem. many foreigners in this country are regarded with a certain kind of awe, especially when you smile a lot and try to communicate with people. i suppose if there were only white people in america, then a foxy cambodian walking down the street would appropriately turn heads. some may claim to be bothered by it, but i think that they're probably just lying to seem like better people.

i taught a couple of english lessons to this one lady, who always brings me coffee. i ran into her today as i was sitting on a bench reading. we exchanged some bs, then she returned five minutes later with some fancy chocolates, gave them to me, and was on her way. in fact, most of my english lessons involve me getting gifts and fielding questions regarding relationship status and physical characteristics. five foot ten (and let's not forget that half) in the states is average at best, but here "lil' mikey" apparently doesn't fit.

autumn festival was this weekend, coincident with national health and sports holiday. i went to this celebratory wine party with a couple of homies. although a bit odd, it was certainly a blast. basically it was a bunch of cougars who speak enough english to invite young western men to wine parties at a cafe one of them owns. endless eats and drinks, and alls i had to do was cut a few rugs and fire around some friendly convo. by about the eighth hour of this, however, everyone was quite loose, and it took quite the effort to dodge middle-aged lips and escape with all of my clothes on. maybe a bit questionable, but the goal was really to score some students. i handed out plenty o' name cardos. with a bit of luck, i'll have some 60 year old sugar mommas in no time!

it's not just the women who have this unnecessary appreciation for white guys. many men seem equally fascinated. at a(nother) japanese party, i'd never experienced an easier time assimilating into a group of strange dudes. conversation is pretty easy when everyone has a non-stop supply of questions. it also helps when there's some chick handing everyone freshly opened beers non-stop. in an unrelated incident, i was simply walking down the street when some rich drunk japanese guys hammed me up, then invited me to join them in a restaurant so they could buy me dinner. paid not a cent.

here we have a bunch of loud dudes in the square, carrying around these large portable shrines, or mikoshi. they bang drums and yell real loud, and are kept in check by other men carrying lightsabers.

here we have a bunch of loud dudes in the street. this is a rowdy bunch indeed. i stayed in my high perch, as the jedi were not around.

"Mrs. Robinson", by Simon and Garfunkel - Bookends