February 24, 2007

Hello everyone!

Sorry it's been ages, but you know me and procrastinating and more and more just keeps on happening here! I guess I haven't written since Christmas, so I'd better start there. Definately different and not just because it was so hot! It was weird to go to my host uncle's house on Chirstmas Eve, full of loving family which wasn't my own. It just made me miss all you back home and at Grandma's even more! Luckily they were all very nice, and we had a chocolate secret santa which cheered me up. When we got home Christmas Eve it was already almost midnight and we exchanged gifts then, which meant a rather anticlimatic Christmas morning. Thanks for all who sent cards and gifts, I actually did save them and have my own little Christmas the morning of.

New Year's Eve, as well as the day before Christmas, I spent with my exchange student friends, having our own little parties. We threw a Christmas Party at a hotel inviting exchange students from all over in the middle of December which was a lot of fun. We stayed up all night and took our friend to the airport at about 7, as she was flying home to South Africa. New Year's we went to a club and danced until 6 in the morning which was great fun and very different from the states as well.

The other big news is the Northeast trip which I got back from in the beginning of Feburary. I spent a month with over one hundred exchange students traveling along the coast of Brazil. The sights were some of the most amazing I've ever seen, Rio, gorgeous beaches, waterfalls, huge forests and more. The experience is undescribable, though pictures help so I'll be bringing them home with me! I met a famous Brazilian artist and went to his "farm" which housed thousands of his art works. I went scuba diving in the reefs, saw sea turtles, rode horses alone the beach, rode sand buggies over giant dunes, slide down waterfalls, and hiked into a huge cave. I also learned Brazilian dances, danced samba (or something kind of imitating it) on stage in the club in Hard Rock Cafe, Rio, was filmed on the beach from Brazilian MTV, and had a bonfire on the beach. Obviously I could go on and on. It was great, though now living in Londrina seems a little dull.

Unfortunately the party's ending. I have to go to school Monday although I am changing schools so that I can be with classmates my own age. I finally finished applying to colleges and now am working on scholarships. I have finally adjusted to my new family, mainly sharing with my four older brothers. It is hard to believe that today is my 7 month anniversary in Brazil. I am looking forward to my parents and sister visiting in March and April and then I will only have two months left until I leave (June 3, for those of you who want a date). I look forward to seeing you all soon and hearing from you even sooner.

Much love and beijos (kisses),
Erin