A Portal to America

On Tuesday I traveled to the capitol of the the prefecture for a work training. After the seminar day was over a nearby ALT and I went out for dinner together. We ended up going to a restaurant that claimed to be an American style burger joint, and as soon as we pulled up we knew we were not going to be disappointed!

Before even entering the restaurant we were excited and snapping pictures! Seeing in through the windows we could tell it was decorated just like American country bars. It was even complete with a Chevy pick up parked in front of the restaurant. As soon as we walked in we were euphoric with excitement by how at home we felt! The inside lacked bright lighting, however was full of neon signs for every cheap beer and gas station we have in America. From the decorations to the fantastic music, it had exactly the atmosphere of a sports bar back home. Betsy and I were full of smiles at our little discovery, and it just kept getting better. We opened the menu to find a vast selection of burgers, sandwiches, and more.

We had burgers and fries and even ordered chocolate parfaits, which turned out to be giant banana splits! When the guy brought them to us he grinned at our shocked faces and laughter and said, "Ganbatte!" (Which means do your best!) The portions were also huge- just like America. I could not even finish all of my french fries!

Everything about the place made us feel like we were really in an American sports bar. Betsy and I sat there talking for three and a half hours, neither of us really wanting to leave since we felt so at home. I literally felt like I was in America for those three hours. Betsy and I even realized we were both talking loudly, due to the combination of the loud music and how we just felt like it was an American place, so we let our American souls free and we talked loudly, laughed loudly, and thoroughly enjoyed our time.

This little American style restaurant was a totally refreshing place to spend an evening. I love Japan, the culture, lifestyle and my adventures here. But those three American hours were a break I didn't realize I had needed. I am looking forward to so many more good times in my new found portal to America.

And yes, we ate all of them.