think I can say safely that everyone was happy to be in non-Rotary uniform clothing today. Today was a day without presentations, so we were free to wear whatever we liked. With the weather the way it is in Curitiba, today really meant we could wear whatever is warmest. Right now, it feels like Florida's winter. This year's winter, which was one of the coldest.

This morning began like most with my host family, which is host Mom, Nueza pronounced "New-ay-zah"), and host sisters, Alainah and Laryssa. Alainah is about my age, maybe a few years younger, and speaks English very well. She studied in Toronto for a year and a half. Laryssa and Nueza both speak a little English. Every morning begins with breakfast. Always coffee with the main dish varying from a pressed ham and cheese sandwich to cheese rolls and cereal to toast with butter and jam. Then, it is out the door to start the marathon.

Today we all met at Univerdade Positivo, a private university. I can't post photos via the computer I am on, but the campus is beautiful. We received a tour of the campus, including the impressive theater. Denise got to ride in style, and I do think the amount of food is taking its toll. It took the combined efforts of Jim, Daphne, and I to push Denise up the hill to the theater. :-)

Lunch was at an impressive castle of a restaurant in an area of town known as Portal Italiano - or Little Italy. We dined on lasagna, meat (so much meat, always meat!), risotto, gnocchi, fettuccine, salad, more pasta, and more meat served with wine. Oh, and I can't forget about the sugary shots of some sort of passion fruit liquor drink. There was also a cashew drink that I had Denise finish off for me. That's a good girl, Denise!

Lunch was followed by a trip around the city on the Lihna Turismo -- Tourist Line - a green bus that Jim hopped around in trying to capture every fantastic angle of the city. For 2 hours, he was back and forth and back and forth from side to side trying to snap photos out the windows of the bus while making the rest of us freeze in the breeze from the open window (and messing up our GSE Coordinator's - Douglas' - hair). Thanks, Jim. I hope you can trim your post-trip slideshow down to something less than one week of total of view time.

Tonight was our first night since Mother's Day to spend with our host families. Neuza made dinner for Doug and Douglas, and me. Her black bean noodle soup and chicken soup were to die for, and that is not the two glasses of wine talking!

Another marathon day spent out on the town, learning about the world of Brasil and Curitiba Alainah, smart and savvy real estate agent that she is, almost has Doug signing on the dotted line for a new home down here. As long as I can have a spare set of keys for my Christmas holiday, Doug, I support your purchase!!

Tomorrow, we don our uniforms once again for presentations and vocational meetings Stay tuned for more excitement. I have a feeling Doug's and Denise's coverage will be more entertaining....For now, bom noiche!!
source:http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teambrazil6950/1/1273705084/tpod.html