Chibali Hills

Last night we went to dinner at a place in Asumigaoka called Chibali Hills. It's so called (nicknamed, actually) because the Japanese in the area consider it comparable to Beverly Hills.

It may not be quite THAT fancy, but the house and area was definitely a bit more, well... I guess that's it, it was a bit more than any party we've ever been to. The party was outside, they had a chef making sushi and sandwiches and soba (noodles) while a trio of two koto players and a traditional flute player played live music for an hour or so. Ryan and I had a really enjoyable time talking with the musicians and they were pretty excited that we enjoyed their music, possibly because many people think foreigners don't really like traditional Japanese things, music especially. The irony is, of course, that traditional instituions of Japan (as well as a desire to learn the language) are what frequently drive foreigners to Japan. It seems like many people here think we don't like that stuff--when of course we really enjoy it! At least everyone at the party truly enjoyed the music and food.

Another good example of that kind of spirit I'm talking about is this conversation I had with a student:
Ayako: "Tomorrow a student from Australia is coming to my house!"
Laurie: "Oh, are you excited or nervous?
Ayako: "Umm...nervous, I don't speak English."
Laurie: "Well, I'm sure he will want try to speak some Japanese of course!"
Ayako: (in Japanese) "Eh? Probably not."
Laurie: "Of course he will!"

I felt bad for my student because she was putting too much undue pressure on herself poor girl.