"Medical Student Party"

I’m sorry I did not post yesterday, but it had a good reason: Professor Shimokawa invited me to something first called “a medical student party”, but later more. My day started with me, attending a conference of cardiologist (working at the Tohoku Hospital) where the Professor wanted to introduce me. I thought by that he meant HE would introduce me. In fact, I had to introduce myself in front of them. Not really knowing what to say (except my name), I was not the shining star of self-confidence I usually am :) Whaaaaat evaaaaa, the rest of the day went well and the Professors secretary told me I am “invited” (I had not the feeling a “no” would have been accepted) to the mentioned “medical student party” and I should keep my suit on (I already suited up for the morning-conference). At 7 p.m. Dr. Ohashi, who should accompany me to the party, told me, the Professor wanted us to go with him in a taxi (sweeeet!). (Photo: Dr. Ohashi and I)


We arrived at a traditional Japanese Restaurant that had a stone garden, lots of friendly servants and separated rooms for each group. Our “medical student party” contained the Professor, four assistant Professors, one doctor, 3 medical students (had their last week at the department) and me in a high class Japanese Restaurant. While eating a multiple-course-meal (*Mehr-Gänge-Menü) with different kinds of raw (extremely delicious) fish, tofu (containing sake), tempura (fried vegetables & meat), a Japanese Carpaccio, mushroom-noodle-soup and more my seat-neighbor, Dr. Fukumoto, introduced me to the world of Japanese Drinks, starting with a very rare and expensive sake and continuing with Japanese Whisky-Cocktails, more sake and always accompanied with Kirin beer. Once a little drunk, my companions became very chatty and this evening earned the title “Legen…wait for it…dary!” Alcohol works here the same way it does at home :)


And check it, only one seat away from the Professor! Order of precedence, if you know what I mean :)