July 30, 2005

Hello everyone!

I haven’t been able to write because, my host family’s computer is messed up...they are attempting to get a hold of someone, but in the meantime I came (now) to my host father, Aldo´s, office to go online. Jeeze, there’s been so much that has happened since I left. The layover in the airport was, of course, boring, but l got through it.

Well, first of all, I stayed in Belo Horizonte for 2 days with some of the family’s friends...and upon my arrival I was greeted by a large number of people with a big sign welcoming me (I’ll send a bunch of pictures when I can). Upon arriving in the city, all of the cars followed our car (except for one waving an American flag outside the window...hey it wasn’t ME waving it!) and everyone had their hazard lights on, while periodically beeping. They had me hang out of the window. Ahh, I felt like such a showoff, but at least it was fun. Everyone has been extremely welcoming (with hug and a kiss on the cheek).

I have met all of my host families (I have 3) I have 5 sisters, and one brother altogether. I have found that people down here don’t think twice before giving a compliment.

Lets see...I went to a huge strawberry farm yesterday. We all ate a million strawberries. It was fun. I’ve also had fun hanging out with some of the young people of the city, and I’ll be going to a fancy party tonight.

I’ll talk to all of you later.

Ciao,
-Jéssica-