Work Night Out

Posted on 2006/10/22 08:45:11 (October 2006).

[Friday 20th October]
There was a work outing organised for this evening to welcome a new guy who has started on the team. So we went out for a meal at a place near the office, and then inevitably after that the night devolved into a bout of karaoke.

I wonder what the new guy thinks of us - I think this is his first time to come to Japan, so karaoke and similar customs must be all a bit new to him. I have to admit on this particular occasion some of my colleagues did seem to be behaving in a particularly, errr, exuberant manner. I of course, was the absolute model of an English gentleman, sophisticated and restrained throughout.

Eventually the new guy decided to call it a night, but a few of us carried on a while longer regardless. In fact, me and one other guy actually went on to a second karaoke place - I'm not really sure why this was necessary, but some nights you just don't feel like throwing in the towel. Whilst the first one was the booth type (and so we were only embarassing ourselves in front of the people we'd gone there with) the second was a more traditional karaoke bar type where you sing in front of all the other customers. In fact, it even had a little stage. I was feeling somewhat full of myself, and rattled out a couple of my standards, and there was a round of polite applause after each chorus. What a nice crowd.

On the way back, I had another one of my fascinating conversations with a taxi driver, this guy was a bit younger than the last time, and I found his Japanese a lot easier to understand. We talked a number of topics, including house prices and the state of the IT industry and all that.

OK, I say fascinating, it probably wasn't really.

Karaoke on stage.... Wow.. I wonder how will you cope with being back to England soon, Karaoke is definiately an attraction that it now easy to find in Europe!

Posted by Lox at 2006/10/22 09:04:15.

I think back in Europe John can now describe himself as 'classically trained' :) :) :)

Posted by Kev at 2006/10/22 24:57:41.

I wonder if I can get some kind of certificate?

Posted by John at 2006/10/22 13:30:05.

Perhaps a Karaoke badge that says 'Authentic' on it ?

Posted by Kev at 2006/10/22 15:39:52.

John, can you locate and answer two emails I have sent you this last week? Not urgent but would like answers, particlaurly on computer help!

Posted by Mum at 2006/10/22 16:44:54.

English gentleman,sophisticated and restrained throughout? With all due respect, my arse! But I guess you were being ironic...

Posted by Sheri at 2006/10/22 18:52:20.

As for Karaoke, I doubt I could manage it until I'd had several drinks! (To break down that English restraint etc!!) :))

Posted by Nigel at 2006/10/22 22:55:37.

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