America the Beautifur

Nothing reminds me more of how much I love America than the smell of hot dogs over an open campfire and the sound of fireworks exploding overhead. Alas this has not been my experience this year as it has in years past on the beaches of Enders Lake in Enders, Nebraska. I know that you may not think that western Nebraska is a hot spot for vacationing but let me tell you it certainly is hot. After hearing that not only the US embassy but also the Chamber of Commerce have Independence Day celebrations I decided that we should certainly go have a burger and a Budweiser at the very least. In doing research for these events I came up empty handed and forgot about it until I got "That's Beijing" the English language mag of Beijing. It said there was some party at some bar in some part of Beijing that I didn't know. Needless to say none of this worked out. Luckily, Brad our super awesome (sarcasm?) TA threw himself a going away party or dinner that night. It was to be at an all you can eat and drink Japanese restaurant. We all know that nothing goes better with raw fish than unlimited amounts of beer. Gary, Mike, and I head out to find the place after consulting my recently acquired copy of the aforementioned ex pat mag and figured it had to be this place called six root tree. Naturally nobody knew what the hell I was talking about when asking about it since the translation, however literal it may sounds, apparently isn't. Either that or it is a completely different place. After consulting my hostel girls and them drawing some characters on a business card we set off. Decided to take the subway to the district we thought it was in and then cab it from there since it was rush hour and cabs are expensive. Side note on Beijing subway - it's f'ing crowded. Made it to the stop I thought based on very in depth research and analysis of the situation and after attempting to talk to several guards, front desk people, and bus stop people nobody had heard of it. Got in a cab and since Brad had texted me the number we called and the cabbie made us get out. Other side of the road we get in one and he takes off after making the same phone call. 20 minutes and 30 kuai (no savings after all) later we arrive on the side of a street and he tells us we are there. We get out look around and don't know where we are. Asking a club bouncer by pointing doesn't help so again we dial the place and he points down the street. We start walking and finally after seeing ee, er, san i know we are close and we step in a few minutes later.

Upstairs we have our own room and most are already there. Eat a ton of raw fish, edamame, tempura and after a wait of about 20 minutes for the first beer they start flowing. We end up with rousing renditions of God Bless America, the Star Spangled Banner, and America the Beautiful among others. This was our celebration for our country and we raised a glass to Tsingtao in her name. Seems that we drank a bit much and after a run in with the squatter Mike had to head home leaving the cabbie something as well. I headed off to Angel where we had a VIP karaoke room and table near the dance floor reserved. Had some more good singing in there along with dance contests, which Chinese girls really love let me tell you, and ended with some more World Cup which came on at 3. At one point Chris, Erin, and I were out dancing to some crap rap and Eve comes over so I dance with her for a bit. This is the time that Haruna arrives after texting and calling me all night. This creates jealousy in her I later learn and must apologize. She's a cool girl and likes party and staying out till 5am regularly. When Brad (the Asian predator) found himself a target and was having a mad make out session at the table I realize I need to go check out the game. About half time I decide that I should go to class tomorrow (today) and that it's time to head home to my small, moldy, sickening loft in the dungeon. Made it to class at 9am, I should be your hero.