saloon

9.1.05

How is it that after being at the school for only two days, I have already heard the word ‘kinky’ twice? Where are these kids learning such words and when did 9th grade boys in Japan start getting the gall to ask their new teachers questions concerning said words on the first day of class? True, at least it’s an English word, but of course it was spelled as k-i-n-k-i. At least spell it right.

A few days ago I discovered that there is a pool hall in my town. This may not sound that amazing to those of you in the DC or Guam area, but seriously, it’s quite a profound discovery. From my apartment window, I can literally see not one, but Two sizable rice paddies. A look to the right heeds only a handful of houses, apartments, a lot of mountains, and, for some reason, a small Subaru dealership. What my town, Daito lacks in pleasantries, though, we make up for with an abundance of dry cleaners. A 2-5 minute leisurely bike ride in either direction from my apartment would provide no fewer than 3 dry cleaners.

Don’t get me wrong though, I love my town. Being as rural as it is, it only makes discoveries like this gem of a pool hall all the more wonderful. This isn’t your typical ‘Magic Styx’ pool hall—it’s not smoky or loud or crowded. “Billiards” consists of two full-sized pool tables, two air conditioners, a few chairs, a CD player, and it’s accompanying sizable collection of classical music, a common staple at pool halls across the globe. These items are all housed in a small wooden building with décor reminiscent of an old western saloon (nope, I don’t get it either). Upon entering “Billiards” (BIRIADUSU in Japanese), one will find that there are no employees and the lights, at least so far in my experience, are off. One may venture to think that “Billiards” is closed but upon more careful inspection, one would discover the secret to playing at “Billiards”—you must go next door to the convenience store (like 7-11 but cooler) to get the billiard balls and make payment. If that’s not awesome, I don’t know what is. You can play pool and if you get thirsty or hungry, you can go next door and buy beer, a cocktail in a can, sake in a cup, or choose from a huge assortment of slightly off-the wall snacks. A typically private pool hall without overpriced alcohol in a town overrun with rice paddies and dry cleaners? Priceless.