How is everything in hot and sunny Florida? Right now, Monbetsu is very cold. I am starting to wear many layers of clothes. When people see me, they laugh and say that it will even get more colder still. My japanese is getting better everyday, but sometimes I feel as if though I have not learned much. I can read katakana and hiragana, but I can not read kanji
yet.
The Rotary Orientation for District 2500 took place on Saturday and Sunday in the city of Kushiro (about a four hour drive from Monbetsu). I had alot of fun, and I also met two other exchange students. One was from Canada nad the other was from California (they were both boys). I became really good friends with John Hughes (Canada). He had arrived in Japan at about the same time I had (our japanese speaking skills were about the same). Most of the orientation consisted of meetings, meetings, and more meetings among the
Rotarians. The meetings were very boring, especially since I could not understand most of what was being said, but I got out of some of them and talked to the other exchange students. On Saturday night, John and I went out to do a little sightseeing in Kushiro. The city's only attractions consisted of an arcade and many restaurants. The whole orientation ended on Sunday at about noon.
Right now, all the students at my school are taking exams. I do not have to take them, so I am free to do whatever i want (I have to come to school though). The exams will take place until Wednesday. On Friday, the Drama Club will go to the city of Kitami for competiton. I will go with them. I will write you next week telling you about it.
Well, I have to go now. Give my regards to everyone at the Davie Rotary Club. Take Care!!!!!
Claudia
