June 7.

I always thought that the bowing was a respect thing. Now I believe differently. It is so that you can look down and see if you are supposed to be wearing your shoes.

Nothing is harder for an American here than figuring out when to take your shoes off. This is a picture of a bank. A 30-foot row of slippers at the front door makes it clear what you are to do before entering. But twice now I have started taking off the shoes to alarmed hostesses. We'll get the hang of this yet!