Well, that was a pretty crazy graduation party at the Rhiga Royal Hotel, Hiroshima, the other day!
Props to the party manager who ensured that our table was served with a seemingly endless supply of bottled Asahi Super Dry (not my first choice but don't look a gift horse in the mouth - 「貰い物に文句を言うな」 Morai-mono ni monku o iuna, "Don't complain about something you've been given" {including the infamous "Asahi hangover" that is sure to follow! - and all that).
Let me take you through the photos in sequential order from top to bottom:
Here am I with a Japanese colleague celebrating with my favourite "gang of four" - two twins and their besties who always brightened up my classes with their backchat.
Well, if you're going to pour me (yet) another beer, it would be rude not to indulge!
Here I am, well oiled, and seemingly in heaven, getting a cuddle from one of the angel twins and her fun-loving friend...
Wait a minute! Now I'm feeling jealous! 👺 My young colleague seems to be getting all the attention...
Well, I'll go and find some 𓆩❤︎𓆪 somewhere else as there are plenty more 🐠 in the 🌊🦈.
Another of my young colleagues was completely off his head, having slipped down half a bottle of whisky with some of the graduating lads before the party kicked off. Well, what do you expect? He's from Liverpool.
Speaking of the lads... I include this photo to note that I didn't spend all my time with the ladies! I worked with the teacher with her back to the camera (topping up her empty glass) to prepare the two lads who I'm standing next to and some of the guys at the table for the Eiken exam, and the very good news is that the two lads who are standing passed the 1st grade Eiken exam - the highest level. We kind of expected the guy immediately next me to pass, but the other boy's success was a big surprise! Well done lads!
Here they are, the class of 2023 in all their glory!
When I left the event, I still felt the afterglow of earthly Paradise, but also began to feel a foretaste of Asahi hangover Hell...
Cheers!
David Hurley
#InspiredFocus