The basics of Japanese

Recently John had a stress-induced dream in which we were in a bar and he was attempting to order us two draft beers, but for a variety of spectacular reasons (involving a band of circus performers)  the spigots failed to work and we never got our beer. What a nightmare, eh?

He denies this, but I say that the dream arose from our Japanese lessons.

Before we go anywhere overseas I always sign us up for language classes. We've gone to Spanish, French, Italian and Chinese classes, always learning (or re-learning) a few basics.

In preparation for our trip to Akita, Japan, I ordered a set of language cds off of eBay. John loves these lessons, but the priorities of the editor confound me! We've gone through 5 cds in which we have yet to be taught to introduce ourselves or count to 20,  however we can easily order two beers. It was almost the first thing they taught us. And I know how to say "I want to drink saki now" but I have no idea how to order a glass of water.  What does this portend? I'm a little worried.

I love to cook when I'm worried. Nothing like a nice batch of udon soup to calm me down.