Super Bowl in Japan…… at 830am

This was the first Super Bowl I have ever watched outside of the US. It was really cool starting the day by celebrating the big game. And although I don’t like the Patriots, the day was made even better because they won. I was with my buddy Greg, who is from Massachusetts. He is a big Patriots fan and became the main motivation for me getting out and doing something special for the big game. I had been thinking I would just watch the game in my room alone as I had my morning coffee. However, we ended up watching the game in a bar full of rowdy Seahawks fans and drinking beer. The night before we went out in Osaka for a few beers, but went home around 3 to get a nap before waking up around 730 to get to the bar and find some good seats. We ended up being the first people to arrive at the bar. The game didn’t start until 830am local time, so we had about 45 minutes to kill as we waited. I could have used the extra few minutes of sleep, but Greg’s excitement gave me some energy.

I have always rooted against the Patriots. They are my second least favorite team (after the #1 worst thing to ever happen to the game of football, the incestual swine herd that call themselves the Pittsburgh Steelers). On this day however, I was secretly and silently rooting for the Patriots. It actually pains me to admit this right now. I have deleted that sentence about 4-5 times, debating whether I should reveal this secret, and actually questioning whether or not I am remembering things correctly. I think it was partially the fact that they were my main partner in crime’s team, but mostly the annoying Seahawks fans that filled the bar and continued to make the type of stupid remarks expected of people who have only been watching NFL football for 1 or 2 seasons.

I was happy it was a good game though, which was what I had been hoping for more than anything. The game ended a bit before noon local time. Some old men who were Seattle fans were giving Greg a hard time after the game, but we somehow befriended them and went to find a place to get some food and another beer with them. Unfortunately the few places we went to were closed. I guess noon on a Monday is not a popular time for a beer in downtown Osaka. After a few disappointing stops Greg and I decided to part ways with the old men.

I had to go pick up tickets for the annual Osaka Sumo tournament. The tournament runs for a full 2 weeks in March. It happens to be at the same time my good friend and former roommate will be visiting. Greg was with me so he bought a ticket as well. I initially wanted to get tickets for Sunday the 8th, but that day was sold out, and so were both days the following weekend so we had to settle for Monday the 9th. It doesn’t really matter that much I guess. I was shocked that the tickets were selling out so fast. They had not even been on sale for 36 hours when we went to the box office. I am glad I went early. Now, 3 other friends have decided to come since we got our tickets, so we should have a good time. I have been looking forward to this Sumo tournament since Greg and I watched last year’s event on TV while in our hotel room in between training during our first week in Japan.

So to all of those pouting back in the US about the lack of sports on TV now that football is over, I feel sorry for you. I have tickets to go see Osaka Japan’s version of March Madness, Sumo wrestling!

After getting the Sumo tickets, we went to get some cheap sushi. Greg was still struggling to contain his excitement. When we stopped in a convenience store to get a coffee after sushi, Greg suddenly ran outside, took off his sweatshirt to show off his Patriots jersey, and began screaming and running up the sidewalk. I calmly paid, topped off my coffee and walked out to catch up with him, trying not to laugh too hard and reveal that I did indeed know the crazy American running around outside taking off his clothes and shouting what would be considered very loudly even in an American city…After that we went to the zoo, but it was closed.

After running out of things to do and energy to do them, I decided to head home around 4pm. I had dinner plans, but they were cancelled, which I was not all that upset about. I really needed a nap.

I got home, napped for about 45 minutes, then went to the grocery store. I made some dinner then tried to read, but ended up passing out a few pages in.

Today was another normal Tuesday. This week should be pretty chill. Next week is a No Lesson Week for the adult students, so things should be pretty chill. I am looking forward to that.

I realize that I only wrote about Sunday night and Monday, but that was basically my weekend. I slept late on Sunday to prepare for the Super Bowl celebration, then did some cleaning.

It has been a bit colder here the past 2 weeks. It hasn’t gotten above 45F in what seems like forever. It isn’t so bad for me, but some people here seem to be suffering. I am definitely ready for beach weather though, even if it is still a little ways away.

Anyway, have a great week everyone. Thanks for reading.