Olà Rotarians!

Posted by Catherine Hilgers

I've started regular school now. It's really interesting, learning about tourism from the other perspective. I've always been the tourist, but now that I'm actually living in a foreign, touristic country I see things differently. School has been good for making more Brasilian friends as well. Today I went to a "churrasco," a traditional barbeque party. Delicious! It's not Alberta beef, but it'll have to do. At least we have sun, sand, and tropical weather here to make up for it. This week I went to visit a neighbouring city with my host sister, staying at my aunt's house. It's really nice how close Brasilians are with their extended families. There, I saw traditional artesans at work on pottery specific to that region, and did a little shopping. Not a bad way to pass a couple days!

Recently we had a municipal election. Here, everyone over the age of 18 is required to vote. No one is allowed to work, and all the bars are closed. Since the candidate that my family supports won, we all went out to the old city for a huge party. On a Sunday. Crazy Brasilians. Last week the Rotarians in charge of the exchange program here organized an outing for the exchange students in my city. We drove about an hour out of town and passed the day in the rainforest, hiking and fishing. It was really nice to see some countryside, and to get out of the city. At the end of the month, I have my first Rotary trip with the other exchange students from all over Brasil. We're going to the Pantanal, the largest wetlands area in the world. Lots of crocodiles and other scary bugs and wildlife there. It's going to be amazing. Again, thanks so much to all of you Rotarians for sending me here and for your emails and support from home. They're much appreciated.

(The picture is of me and my friends from school)
As always, you can email me at gocatherine@hotmail.com
Until next time!
Catherine