On Wednesday evening, the Japan Local Government Center (JLGC), Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO) and others met up at the Bohemian beer hall in Astoria to share some drinks - especially beer - and food together. The purpose of this event was to celebrate JETAA's Saturday's Softball Tournament on Ward's Island where JNTO and JLGC played together on a team.
Among all these Japanese people, I also got to know two American ladies. When I saw them I was glad to have other people around me I thought couldn't speak Japanese. However, as things come unexpectedly, I was deeply impressed by their Japanese language skills and affection toward Japan. The first lady could speak Japanese nearly fluently and the other lady recently started learning Japanese. The second lady went to Japan with the JET exchange program for two years and taught English lessons in a school. She plans to go back to Japan soon.
Like always, I got to know very interesting and friendly people and it was a lot of fun having them around. My deep impressions also lead me to learn a few words in Japanese. Anyway, I don't want to go back to Germany without speaking a word. Therefore I can say: Konnichiwa, Sayounara, Yokoso, Arigatou and what is most important: Kampai (which means cheers)! Thanks Ueno-san for the jpegs. Tanja S.
