My time is winding down....Love Always Belem, Brazil

                               This is a beautiful sunset picture taken at the Algodoal Island with a horse carriage in the background.

As the sun sets in the picture above, so is my time here in Brazil. I am still shocked at how quickly time has gone by, because it seems like I just arrived. I guess that’s what they mean by, “time flies when you are having fun”.

I have made a lot of friends that will forever be a part of my life. They showed and taught me things and truly increased my outlook about life in general. The education I got from the people of Brazil has enriched my life and there are things I have already incorporated into my life.

My time in Brazil has again reinforced my belief that people are alike all over the world. We all want similar things - love, happiness, family, friends, and good health.

My experiences have been rich with enjoyment, excitement and much learning.

It is with great sadness I write this because it signifies the end of my time in Brazil. This was a place; I did not know nine weeks ago. I did not know how to say much in Portuguese but now, I can carry small conversations with people in Portuguese and functional in my everyday life. I had been told that it would be hard to find English speakers here in Belem. To the contrary, I have met a lot of English speaking people. The key was to go out and meet people and that is how I was able to not only meet English speakers, but also practice my Portuguese speaking.

My research has wound down to the final phase of putting finishing touches to the report so I have had the time and opportunity to go on some adventures.

I went to Algodoal Island and it was an amazing place. It entailed me taking a ferry to get to the island which was my first time doing such. The island was filled with people from different cities around the State of Para, mainly from Belem who had come to spend their vacation. The island had no motor vehicles but carriages being pulled by horses.

I am very grateful for the opportunity I had to spend my ten weeks of summer vacation from medical school in Belem, Brazil. I made a connection with Brazil and have started seeking ways in which I can be a part of the medical community here in Brazil long term.

This is the first of many more visits to come…I am excited and looking forward to being a part of the Brazilian culture and people as it is something everyone should get a glimpse of if nothing else.