19 Mar My 80th Birthday
We were having dinner in a small izakaya (pub). We’d struggled a bit to find a good restaurant for dinner. The first place we tried was full, but they recommended another restaurant that we eventually found. When we arrived it was empty but the proprietor turned us away. As we left, they waved us back in and offered us a table. We were early and I think they hoped we’d be gone by the time their reservations showed up. It almost worked!
Near the end of our meal a large group of young people arrived. Several spoke some English and were eager to practice with us. We learned they were a group of students, professors, and marketing professionals working on a project to promote a local brand of shochu. They appeared to be having a very good time and were so welcoming that we stayed for another round of drinks.
Celeste let it slip that it was my 80th birthday. A local musician was performing with traditional taiko drums and a shamisen (a three-stringed guitar-like instrument that is plucked with a stick). The other patrons were eager to celebrate with us. They serenaded me with Happy Birthday and before long the entire izakaya was singing, dancing, and helping play the taiko drums. Pure joy!
Words don’t do justice to the experience. We took some short videos that do a slightly better job, but nothing like being there in person. It was a marvelous way to celebrate a birthday!
Jack Peters
Posted at 03:31h, 19 MarchBelated Happy Healthy BIrthday !!!
This over the horizon friend gratefully turned 79 March 13 th
Scott Stabbert
Posted at 05:57h, 19 MarchNever knew you such a party animal!
What a cool time.
Sheila Morrow
Posted at 06:21h, 19 MarchAH! The perfect celebration! Happy 80 Don!
Lori Lloyd
Posted at 08:17h, 19 MarchMemorable and Happy birthday celebration! Thank you for sharing with us. Big hugs xoxo
Michone Walker
Posted at 13:32h, 19 MarchHappy birthday Don! What a great way to celebrate
John Ruscetta
Posted at 15:34h, 19 MarchHappy belated birthday Don.
John and Gidget
Beverley Lynn Desmarais
Posted at 17:04h, 19 MarchHappy Birthday! Great celebration!
Valorie Carpenter
Posted at 17:19h, 19 MarchHau’oli La Hanau Don!
Michael and JoAnne Gray
Posted at 17:51h, 19 MarchWhat a wonderful birthday celebration! We are so enjoying your blogs!
Ken Diestler
Posted at 17:58h, 19 MarchAnother day ….Another Great Experience. Happy Birthday
Craig Rowelll and Cory Ray
Posted at 19:07h, 19 MarchHappy Birthday Don!!!
mike harrington
Posted at 19:12h, 19 MarchHappy birthday!
Mary Ann Underwood
Posted at 02:28h, 20 MarchHappy Birthday. May you have many more. You make your life good!!
Jill
Posted at 12:05h, 20 MarchBelated Happy Birthday! Great to celebrate with new cultural surroundings and enthusiastic Crew. Rod and i feel like every year we spend on a boat over 80 we get to subtract!
Tom and Jan White
Posted at 19:20h, 20 MarchHappy 80th Birthday.
Azusa Maruyama
Posted at 11:55h, 21 MarchHappy belated birthday Don! We cannot wait to see you and Sharry in Japan. We’re looking forward to hearing back from you.
Hugh Reilly
Posted at 17:25h, 23 MarchAnother belated Happy Birthday wish . . . and for many happy returns of the day!
Hal Wyman
Posted at 15:40h, 24 MarchA belated Happy Birthday, young man!