Keepers
My Independence Day
By C.A. E.
Today was the "4th of July"
(U.S. Independence Day) party at the American Consulate. I should have been but
wasn't prepared for the barrage of alcohol. Waiters with trays of wine and beer
stepped up to us as we entered the gates, and the smell was pervasive. I noticed
one person with a glass of orange drink but, rather than hunt for it, opted for
drinking nothing. That was O.K. because one of my primary reasons for being
there was networking (at which I have to say I had some success).
Then I was invited to someone's house
for "tea" with a group of women. I had to brace myself when I saw a
huge bottle of champagne with glasses on the table. This was our tea?! I
was fortunate, though, because three of the five of us didn't drink. In fact,
the hostess got out a smaller bottle of champagne for the other two, and I
indulged in a glass of cranberry juice.
I had a chance to use that glorious
expression, "I can't drink." The hostess pushed a little, saying
"Just for the toast," but I repeated, "I can't drink." She
murmured something about Mormons (who are practically the only people in Japan
who don't drink) and the others, even though they had barely met me, knew enough
about me to have a good laugh. I was preparing some explanations in my head
about osteoporosis and such, but no one even asked why I couldn't drink.
As each of the guests left the party at
the Consulate, we were handed a "gift bag" containing an American
orange (a nice treat since they're about $1.00 a piece here) and a can of
Budweiser. Happy 4th of July!
I
left my can with the hostess of our "tea party." I've never really
liked beer, but I didn't even want the temptation of it sitting in my apartment.
Actually, I did much more than survive
the "4th of July." I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and because of being
sober will remember every minute of it. Hope other Americans on this list are
able to have similar experiences.
Sober in Sapporo.
Posted
July 2, 1999
Top | Return
to Keepers Index Page
LifeRing
Home