The Nursing school is called Profissional de Saúde, curso Técnio em Enfermagem ( Professional health, Techinal course in Nursing). There are about two hundred (200) students that attends this course, ages 18-25yrs. I am attending a private school called colégio Sindal Barão do Rio Branco (white river). There are no more than seven hundered (700) students. This school is said to be the best in this city. The population of this city (Cachoeira do Sul) is more than eighty thousands (80,000) people. The economy factor is based on the rice industry. Every two years this city has a pagent called "Fenarroz" a queen and 2 princesses are selected and they will be called the queen of rice and the princess of rice. This year there were twenty (20)contestants along with hundreds of viewers. I was able to witness this adorable event.

On October 12, 2001. I went to Octoberfest in Sant Cruz. Octoberfest is a German party which is held every year. I was told that is the one of the biggest party around the world and the second in South America the first is Carnaval. There were more than 1,600 people there I was so amazed to see so many people. I wanted to stay all night and dance a few german dance (those who know me, knows that I can not dance) I really enjoyed myself that night.

I am seeing lifestyles that would make you say"God I thank you for what I have." Robert Brault once said, "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realized that they were the big things. Some weeks ago my host family held a dinner party for me. they sang happy birthday in 4 languages: spanish, portuguese, german and english that was so cooool I was very sad because I really miss my family but, however I dried my tears and I had a great time.

At my Nursing school, O boy I am learning so many new things I have been giving patients injections and (they are still alive) wooowww. I took an exam for my nursing course in portuguese. When the teacher handed me the paper I asked her what I´m supposed to do, she replied, 'the same as everyone else'. Immediately I took out my dictionary and translate everything in english (believe me that was no fun) by the time I had finished translating the bell rang. I said to myself 'save by the bell'

I am now at my second host family. I only see my host father and brother on weekends. My host mom is not at home very often because she has 3 jobs but I will get by and like I always say this is an experience I will never forget.

Até logo.

Olivia