How do I put pen to paper? How do I stop these tears from falling, help a wounded heart to heal? How do I go on believing that all things will remain the same ,just tell me how do I begin again that very same vision that created hope for all things to come? Tell me, tell me if you can.

 When God created the world in all it's beauty, he especially made Brazil a landmark that would later be considered one of the world's most precious gems.He blessed this treasure with such a blessing, that the world is held bound with love, emotion and if not a home a second home. Without a doubt, he made Brazil my home, my love, my passion, my family, my dream in reality and my neverending prayer to live inside my heart always. Today I will take you on a journey into my homeland. Today you will see the beauty of this land and marvel. You will tour with me and imagine, so welcome, WELCOME, WELCOME to NORTHEAST 2001. 

The long awaited tour began on the 5th of January 2001 in Ouro Preto,Minas Gerais, a city known for it's colonial architecture, churches and museums, where you can relive the history of Brazil. We visited Cidade Partimonio Hostorico da Humanidade, the most important point of tourism in Minas Gerais, where you can see the San Francisco church in all it's beauty trimmed in gold. Then there was Brasilia, the capital city of Brazil. Each exchange stuent had the opportunity to learn about the Govrrnment system and made an oficial visit to the Congress and National Senate.  Although we did not have the opportunity to take photos in the Governor's chair, we took every advantage to remember this most important and rewardind experience.  During this time, we also visited the sight of Juscelino Kubitscheck (responsible for the development of Brasilia) Legiao da Boa Vontade and Esplanada das MInisterios,the Cahtdral of Brazil. We then travelled to Lencois in the state of Bahia, which is one of the most exotic regions in Brazil. There we visited Chapada de Diamantina, located in the intertior of the state.  We explored caves, dove into tranquil rivers, took a bath in the crystal clear waters of the cachoeira thrusting over massive rocks and did trekkings on top of steep and misty mountains. When you think of a time in the sun on some of the most marvelous beaches in Brazil, Maceio, Fortaleza and Recife come to mind as the aqua marine waters and their violent waves take hold of your thoughts. In these northeastern states,along the coast you can experience it all. In the background you can hear the tunes of samba playing, see workers toil on the sun drenched beaches, taste the cool refreshing coconut water as one relaxes to absorb the sun and feel the splash of the waves as they beat against the rocks.

Our next stop was in Salvador, the city that stole my heart away. This was where I danced to the beat of Capoeira music on the grounds where world renown singer/dancer Micheal Jackson made the video "They Don't Care About Us." The fascinating culture of Bahia sitll lives today. Here is where you would find the principal cultures of Brazil-Carnival, samba, capoeira and a variety of religions. We continued touring until we arrived in the city of Porto Seguro. We visited Cidaded Alta e Santa Cruz (the locale where the first church and village were constructed in Brazil)Vita Sol( another beach where we danced the music of samba) and danced the music of Bahia. The month is just about up, and still there is one of the most marvelous cities of the world...RIO DE JANEIRO!!! 

Ahhhhhhhhhhh! I am left without words to describe such a place. I had been filled with such motion that I cried. I longrd to be with my family so that we could all share in this incredible moment. I  arvelled at the Christ the Redeemer statue and prayed in my heart, because I knew that God was protecting me with his arms stretched out over the entire city. It made such a powerful statement, that I shiver when I think about it. Angra dos Reis gave me peace in my heart after missing home. We sailed alongside the cays singing and dancing and then swam into the Atlantic Ocean's fine seas. We visited the locale for Carnival and there we danced some of the popular dance steps used to woo the crowd.

 ...And then there was darkness and suddenly my world had no path leading to reality. What had happened? I couldn't look them all in the eyes to say that awful word "goodbye" I tried to fight my emotions, but I failed and I longed to be with the family that I had known for a month, But I know that one thing is for sure, no matter where we go in life my dear family, we will always share in that special part of our lives...our home...our love...our dream in reality...Brazil!!!