Sunday, April 24, 2011

Ann´s Easter Posting - Blog by Ann

Hello, Everyone,

This is a post from Ann. The days have gone by with such swiftness. It is Easter Sunday and the sun shine bright on this special day. It is nt humid for a great change and it is quite comfortable even though hostess, Aoeely is a bi cold.

When we met with the outgoing Team Brazil, I had said how I hoped it had stopped snowing by the time they arrived and they said they had hoped to see snow. It is too warm here for snow and it would be quite the experience for them.

Last night we went with the Rotoract young adults to a pizzaria. It was an all you can eat place and for R$25 we ate well. You had a sign you put on the table to indicate if wanted a `salty` topping which could be chopped chicken hearts or turn it over for doce (sweet) toppings which could be meringue with strawberry jam swirled into it or a chocolate pudding-like mixture with nuts on it. The California pizza topping which was fresh fruit including figs was my favorite.

The people here are so very anxious to give us a grand experience. They are so kind and caring. I hope we can show them the same hospitality as well as giving them a feeling of welcome and belonging. They open museums for us on Saturday, always have at least 2 interpretors, and want us to see Brazil as more than the Amazon and the Samba.

This is a rich and industrious state in Brazil. The farms are large and soy beans and corn are 2 large crops. They make ethonol from sugar cane here. It is probably more expensive than gas and so may not be the fuel of choice.


Several of the young men we have met are agronomy majors at university and either own or plan to own companies. They travel to America for such business contacts as to go to Minneapolis and Omaha to begin a partnership to import GPS systems for farm tractors, to explore import/export of grain products, and one fellow has his own home decorating company. They are not afraid to be movers and shakers. It is just so great to see the spirit of the youth here.

Many of the young adults are law majors. They attend university or 5 years majoring in law and then study for a rather rigorous bar exam. Just like home just not the pre-law course of study as we have.

Shopped the mall yesterday afternoon. I just could not see myself in the 3 to 5 inch heels they sell for over $200 per pair. I used to wear 3 inch heels to teach in but I was young and even more foolish then. The shoes for men and women are very attractive to very pretty and the shoe stores abound. The women wear very fitting jeans or leggings here and then the very high heels.

Zoely has orchids growing on mango trees in her yard. She loves flowers and has many pots and planter full of green and flowering plants.

I will go for now.

I miss home and my loved ones but am truly enjoying my time here and only wish they would be with me.

My husband, Joe, would go crazy with the driving here. We are driving along at about 80 to 120 KPH and are about 10 inches behind the driver in front of us-no matter if it is a car, motorbike, or truck. It is white knuckle time.]

Bon Gia to all,

Ann

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