The cook scooped a ladel of pork stew on one hand and an empty bowl in the other and gestured if I wanted some. He scooped a bowlful and gave it to Nolen.
He stepped back from the bar and said, “I know German!”. I thought, well – the only German I knew was “Ish-libe-dich” so I said that to him. He laughed and I think I might have embarrassed him coz I said “I love you!” in German. Gramps to the left of us, still laughing and in near tears. His laugh must`ve been contagious because at this point, everyone was in hysterics. We sensed that the cook was frustrated at this point and every time he muttered to himself, the crowd laughed louder and we had no clue what the funny was. I guess it must have been us.

A woman sitting next to Nolen attempted to help us and asked, “you like Japanese food?” “Yes.” Nolen replied. From the look of the place and the expressions on the peoples` faces we were probably the only foreigners that have eaten there in a long time. This intimate setting, the constant laughter and smiles felt genuine.

“Its about time we got laughed at.” Nolen said. We both enjoyed our meal pointing to the different dishes in front of us. The cook`s wife brought over a bowl and gestured to put this spice on our rice. All of our non-verbal communication was a great way to understand their culture. The handmade spice we put on our rice was amazing. A variety of fish flakes, seaweed, and pepper, we felt invited into their personal space and welcomed into their home.

Just about when we were finished, four young men came in looking for a couple of seats. The look on their faces to see a two foreigners in their local hangout was a time to remember. Their faces were filled with shock and more laughter went into the air. We both sat up ready to pay our bill and gramps had a huge smile on his face, “Nice guy.” was all he said and we all laughed. Culture differences bring all sorts embarrassment. These moments were a great way to understand another culture in its most unique and beautiful way.