Brazil

My visit to Brazil was AMAZING. I met a lot of Claudia's and Marcus's families in Nova Andradina, saw an anteater in the wild on their farm, and ate freshly-cut sugar cane.

On Monday afternoon, we went to Bonito (click for a link to the city's website--in English). In Portuguese (and Spanish) "bonito" means pretty, and the place was definitely that! We went hiked into the Grutas do Lago Azul (Blue Lake Caverns), visited the Balneario Municipal (Municipal Spa) where I went snorkeling with the fish, and saw the animals at the Aquario Natural (direct translation is "aquarium" but it would be considered a zoo in the U.S.). I needed a lot more time to see everything in Mato Grosso do Sul! I guess Shawn and I will have to go back. :)

The last two pictures are of the kids during the drive to Campo Grande, then one of us at the airport.

Last Rotary Meeting, Leaving Paraguay

Since I didn't have a cord to upload my pictures, I am now posting the last few days of my trip. Below are pictures of the last CDE Rotary Club meeting that I attended, and a picture of Graciela and me before I left Paraguay.

Nova Andradina, Brazil

I made it! I am at Mateus and Carol´s house. I don´t have a cord to upload pictures, but I´m taking a lot! For those that don´t know, I had Carol and Mateus in my classes last year. They have an older brother named Neto, and their parents are Claudia and Marcus.

After I got in, we went to Claudia´s parent´s house and ate some lunch, then came back to their house to clean up. We then went to Marcus´s mom´s house...they had told her that I liked chocolate, so she made a Brazilian chocolate cake. It´s name in Portuguese means ´crazy Black woman.´ Then we went to one of Claudia´s sibling´s house (I think) for a churrascaria (Brazilian barbecue). Later we went to the downtown area of town because there was a festival going on. (To the Archer County folks, it reminded me of Mayfest, only bigger.) There I met several members of the Rotary Club...they were serving dinner.

Today, we slept late, then went to eat at a fish place. You can go fishing in the tank and they cook what you catch, or you can order from a menu. We ordered from the menu. You don´t really see me fishing, do you? We had sashimi, fried tilapia (one plain, and another wrapped in bacon), and another fish that is popular in Brazil (I can´t remember it´s name, though) in a red sauce. Carol had said that the bacon-wrapped tilapia is her favorite, and I have to agree! Then we went to their farm...it´s about 6,000 acres! They raise cattle for milk, beef, and breeding, sheep for the meat, emus, sugar cane, and eucalyptus trees. They may have more than that, but that´s all that I can remember! We just got back from there.

I will try to update again tomorrow before we leave to go to Bonito!

Leaving Paraguay

Tomorrow morning, I will be leaving Paraguay to spend a few days with Mateus and Carol's family (who were in my classes last spring) in Brazil. I don't know if I will be able to post anything while I am with them, so if not, it will be a week from today when I return to Texas before I can update (so don't freak out if you don't see something, Mama and Les!). If I'm not able to before then, I will have pictures of my last Rotary meeting in CDE, as well as pitures of what I do with Mateus and Carol's family. I will still be in contact with my husband, so if something urgent arises, you can contact him.

I cannot believe that my month here is over. I have experienced so many things in my time here, and I'm anxious to return home to share it all. I am so appreciative of my hometown Rotary Club and the Ciudad del Este Rotary Club. In particular, Nicole (TX) and Graciela (PY) have looked after me and have been invaluable throughout this experience. My husband Shawn has been more supportive and encouraging than I could have ever asked for. He definitely has won the #1 Son-in-Law title for this one!

I'll have more reflection (the teacher within must come out!) and pictures when it's not 3 o'clock in the morning. :)

Asuncion

As I mentioned last night, I went to Asuncion on Tuesday/Wednesday. It was a really quick trip, but I was able to see the president's house (the one where he works and another where he lives) and several monuments. We stayed with Graciela's dad and his partner, Ovidia (I think I've got her name right!). Unfortunately, I wasn't able to meet Tally, who is in Paraguay teaching...her grandkids attend school in our district!

Back from Asuncion

I'm being scolded by my mom and sister for not updating...so here's an update: I'm back from Asuncion, but really tired from being in a car for 9 hours during the past two days! We got back about 15 minutes ago, and I'm eating and typing (you know nothing comes between me and my food, Les!). I will post details and pictures tomorrow afternoon...tomorrow morning is my last trip to the centro!

Change of Authority Dinner - Pto. Iguazu

Last night, Graciela and I (along with a few other CDE Rotary members) attended Puerto Iguazu, Argentina's Change of Authority dinner. The lines at the borders were horrible, but we made it just in time. In addition to the transfer of authority ceremony, we enjoyed a buffet dinner (my favorite was the mushroom pasta and chocolate cake!) and then traditional "Tres Fronteras" music by a band.