I think about mediaeval Europe and how they didn't have a daily routine bath. It makes me shiver. I sure like taking my bath everyday. It is interesting to note the different routines in different countries. In Canada, I almost never took a bath. It took baths when I was a child, but not as an adult. I always took showers.

When I cam to Japan, however, I learned that many Japanese take baths everyday. And they share the water. The whole family takes a bath in the same water. This was very ...

...surprising to me. In Canada, you use the water in the bath to make yourself clean. When you are finished, the water is soapy and dirty, and no-one else would want to use it.

In Japan, however, they clean themselves completely before they get in the bath. Then they get in the hot water and soak for a while. It is very nice indeed. Now, I still take showers almost everyday, but I take them at night. And in the winter, my family always has a bath. Not only does it feel good, but it also warms you up.

How about in your country? What is the bathing custom where you live? Listen to the story about Phil, and after practicing it for a while try to make your own bathing story.

Remember, don't read it everytime you listen! Just read it once every four or five times you shadow this story.