Part of my job with a large Minnesota company involves entertaining visitors from around the world. One of my favorite activities is taking them ice fishing. For many people who have never experienced a Midwestern winter, spending a day fishing through a hole in the ice is something they'll never forget.

One winter we hosted a visitor from Japan and decided to take him to Mille Lacs Lake. Unfortunately, a blizzard forced everyone to wait nearly four hours before anyone was allowed onto the lake. Naturally, we spent those hours warming up in the lodge while enjoying a few drinks.

By the time we finally headed onto the ice we were more than ready to fish—and to continue having a good time. We spent the rest of the day catching a few fish, laughing, and sharing plenty of stories.

A memorable day on the ice

The real surprise came the following Monday when our visitor was preparing to return to Japan. During a meeting with more than one hundred employees, he was asked to share a few thoughts about his visit.

After speaking about everything he had learned at work, he smiled and concluded his remarks by saying:

"I would also like to thank Mark and Randy for taking me ICE DRINKING!"

The room erupted with laughter. Once everyone settled down, our technical director asked exactly what he had been drinking.

With a smile and a thick Japanese accent he answered, "Beer, Bloody Marys... and something that tasted like toothpaste."

He was talking about peppermint schnapps.

After another round of laughter, Randy and I quietly stood up and slipped out of the meeting.

Even today I still smile whenever I imagine him back in Japan telling his friends about his unforgettable weekend of Minnesota "Ice Drinking."