Just a little sad

Last night John and I went out with some friends in The Honch area right off base. Since we've been here nearly two months already, we're starting to sort out the places we like to go and the places we don't like to go. Unfortunately, a lot of places in this area cater specifically to Westerners. They think 1) all Westerners like to drink in excess and 2) Westerners like music so loud you have to yell over it. The saddest part is that these two points attract Westerners like you wouldn't believe. All bars have their music all the way up with the bass sounds pouring into the street. Military people pack these places wall-to-wall, dancing, shouting, and drinking like they just turned 21.
As for me, I like my nights to be more mellow. I like music at a reasonable volume and preferably local, good conversation, good company, hot wings, and maybe a glass of wine. We decided to try out some new places last night and they all got sadder than the last place.

To top it off, I'm still living out of a suitcase. I have four or five outfits I've been rotating out. I don't want to buy more clothes because that would be a waste of money. I have plenty of clothes on the way. My clothes are starting to show wear because I've been wearing them too often. My favorite shirt developed a hole. So while most ladies go out in their nighttime finest, I'm stuck in comfy jeans, the same t-shirt I wore I on plane flight over, and sneakers.

I guess I'm sad because I'm missing the US something fierce right now. In the US if I was in this predicament I know: 1) anything labeled "sports bar" would be more my style (nothing's labeled that out here and if it is, it's false advertising...it's most likely a club) and 2) I could go to a thrift store and buy some really cheap and cute pieces to spice up my wardrobe until my clothes arrived. Even the thrift stores here are expensive and they're nothing like the bargain bins of the US.

Since it's not my style to mope around for long, I did an internet search of places around Yokosuka I may enjoy. I found a fun jazz bar and restaurant where local acts perform. Since it's tucked away on a street few military people wander down, it's mellow with live jazz piano music on the weekends. I'm definitely going to have to try this place out. I'll let you guys know what I think.

I'd like to have a local haunt, because sometimes you want to get out of the house, but you don't want to travel far. I'm crossing my fingers we find something :)