O fim

Amber has been back in Canada since December 19th and our roommate Kevin had gone back to France a few days before. I've basically been alone in Fortaleza still enjoying the hot holiday weather. My Christmas Eve was spent at a friends house who prepared a wonderful Christmas meal. My Christmas day was spent relaxing at the beach. This was a very different Christmas than what I am accustomed to. I had called my family to see what their holiday plans are. They had a large  Christmas dinner with family and close friends. Seeing the pictures of all the food almost made me want to get on a plane and join my family's feast, but the pictures of snow quickly deterred me. My holidays were spent with some close friends who did a great job of keeping me entertained.

I can certainly say that 2011 has been an amazing year for me. From finishing my abusive thesis, graduating university, getting this internship, to finally coming to Brazil and getting experience in my field of study. I feel like I've accomplished many things this year which I never thought possible. There are some specific people I should mention who made my experience in Brazil very memorable.

I would like to, firstly, thank the staff at Niagara College for selecting me for this position. I'm sure they had many people to choose from during the interview process, but I guess they saw something extra that they liked in me. From figuring out my logistics to emailing me just to check up on me, your support is valued.

I would like to thank Prof. Sarah who has been a vital person during my internship. She was always there to listen and support Amber and I in our work. Thank you Erilan and Vitor for teaching us the basics of Portuguese, without your help, I'm sure we would still be struggling with the language. Thanks Vanderlania, who works closely with Mulheres Mil, for being soo full of useful information. The Quebec interns, Denise and Elisabeth, thank you guys for being such down to earth people and translating/correcting my Portuguese when I needed.

Amber, my ruiva to my morena, I'm happy to have had you as my coworker and, especially, as my roommate. I couldn't have had a better partner in crime these past 6 months than you. We had many deep conversations about family, work, school, love, and what our futures hold. Hopefully, one day we can live together again and have more wine and dancehall parties.

Lastly, I would love to thank my parents who have supported me throughout the years. I know it's a little cliche but its true, since many of us wouldn't be where we are without our parents. Without the love and support they have given me throughout my life, I definitely wouldn't be here having this amazing experience in Brazil.

My stepfather, mother, brother, me, stepmother, and father...it took all these people to get me to this point. I love you all. 

I feel like I just won an Oscar and that was my award speech. So what now....I'm traveling. First stop, Rio for New Years Eve. My blogs for this month will focus on my experience during my travels...stay tuned.