Learning to Bow

I have many opinions of the school. My strongest thought is that their rules are too strict. If a student does not follow the rules and a teacher does not catch them, the ninth-grade boys will give them harsh punishment. Their required socks, hair and uniform regulations seem also too strict. The boys have to wear a black top with brass buttons and black pants. During winter, turtlenecks are unacceptable, although sweaters may be worn over the white shirts that everyone is required to wear. Girls must wear the same, but the shirt and pants must both be blue.

Another thing that bothered me about the school regulations is that only boys can be strong, and only girls can be pretty. Boys must do "boyish" things while girls must do "girlish" things. I think no matter who they are, they should have the opportunity to do whatever they wish.

The "Welcome Party" was very nice. The food was very good, and so were the drinks. Many people wanted to fill my glass with drinks of all sorts, and I was surprised how kindly I was treated. People no longer asked me "Can you eat with Japanese chopsticks?", but instead "Are you enjoying the food?". I have noticed that many of the people that I saw in the welcoming party when I arrived have become much less shy, and have talked a lot to me recently. The night clubs were the same as the ones in the United States, and I am glad that I only went [was forced] into one. Now I must go, as it is very late, and I must go to bed and prepare for tomorrow.