地獄と極楽:新潟市史詞:英語版

Heaven and Hell: Some Niigata City History

新潟市の方々がご存知かも知れません。
Niigata City natives and residents may know about this. Or, maybe not.

こちらの細短いな道は"地獄極楽小路"と呼ばれてます。This short, narrow lane in Nishi Ohata is called Heaven and Hell Lane.

面白くない?
Interesting, no?

左側に目を細めると旧式な塀が伸びてます。
Glance to the left and you'll see a traditional wooden fence extending along the street.

少し前に進むと吊るされ板'暖簾'が現れ、"行形亭".
Walk a ways, and behold: 'Ikinaritei'.

歴史300年以上のある立派な和食屋敷の行形屋(地元の方がそう言うふうに呼びます)。
Ikinaritei, called Ikinariya by locals, is a traditional Japanese restaurant with a 300- year history.

皆さんはどのような優雅な食事が提供されるかを想像できるでしょう。勘定も.
I'm sure you can imagine the sorts of dishes served. And, what an evening out costs.

ある職場(学校)、15前のこと、先生達が僕に年末の宴会に誘う、会場は行形亭。住宅近くて大変嬉しくてお金の準備のため大体いくらと聞いたら。。。

About 15 years ago, teachers at my then school invited me to an end-of-year party at the restaurant. Great, I thought, it's close, and I've always wanted to go there. How much will it cost?

最小限度33000円。

At least 33000 yen 

五人家族当時の食材費の二ヶ月分。

At the time that was 2 months of groceries for my family of 5.

すみませんが、欠席。

Sorry, but no.

そちらは"極楽".

This is Paradise.

Brian Southwick