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Yesterday was my one month anniversary in Assis, Brazil. I have to say that it was a great feeling. I also have to say that it was a confusing one, how can one month possibly go by so fast? I still don't have the perfect answer but I do know the slogan "time flies when your having fun" may be a fitting one in this situation.

This past month has been filled with so much happiness that it seems boundless. I could ramble on about why I'm happy but it's of course "boundless" and would take way too long, so in an act to preserve time I will name just a few for you.

1. The food. Oh my, the food. It is constant and delicious. Throughout the morning I eat fresh papaya, oranges, and bananas. Sometimes I sneak a few chocolates in there too. I can't help myself. Then when I get home from school at 12:30 I eat a huge lunch. It always has rice, beans, potatoes, and meat involved. Some exchange students have been complaining lately about the enormous amount of beans that they get served daily. Fortunately for me I love beans and even go for seconds. I wasn't called the bean machine for nothing. Then we snack for the rest of the day on more delicious Brazilian food. They definitely aren't starving me here.

2. The people. They are all so generous. Surprisingly very few people here speak english but that never stops them from insisting that they help you as much as humanly possible. A complete stranger on the street will go out of his/her way to lend you a guiding hand. It has happened to me before. They are also so quick to welcome and call you a friend. I've never experienced anything like this in Canada. It makes my life here 100 times easier. As well the people are incredibly laid back but also know how to have a good time.

3. The cream cheese. Yes this item of food needs it's own number. Why? Because it's that delicious. I'm making amends that -no matter the cost- I'm bringing a life time supply of this stuff back to Canada with me.

4. My host family. They are all so kind. They cater to my needs and in return I attempt to be the best host daughter/sister there ever was. They have been more then patient with my Portuguese and help me whenever I ask. My Portuguese definitely needed some patience. As I said before they are definitely not starving me and have welcomed me into their home. My host family has made this whole experience very comfortable indeed.

5. My Portuguese. I went to my friends house this weekend and everyone there was so impressed with how much I understood. Although my speaking isn't as polished as my comprehension I can still get my point across and make it through the day. Knowing that there is improvement is something that brings me oh so much joy.

6. The Exchange Students. There are five in my city including me and they are way too much fun. Although I love my Brazilian friends it is so nice to have people that understand and are in the same frame of mind as you. It would simply be against our very nature not to connect with each other.

7. My Classmates. As all Brazilians seem to be, my classmates are very welcoming. Although school isn't the most anticipated part of the day, my classmates make it worth while.

8. The weather. It is sunny and warm. Exactly as it should be. I'm only slightly worried about summer though because I asked my host parents how hot it gets and instead of explaining they just rolled their eyes to the back of their heads and slumped their shoulders. Later my host sister went on to say," You'll be outside and wish clothes didn't exist." That should be a bundle of fun.

9. My city. It is the perfect size. Not big enough to be polluted and over populated but not small enough to be boring. I explained it before as a city-town and I'm sticking with that. Although a city alongside a beautiful beach wouldn't be too bad, my city-town in the middle of Brazil is just right.

10. My life. I've been told many times in Brazil that I "say thank you too often" and honestly I can't help myself. I'm just so flippin grateful for everything and everyone. This experience is so unique and wonderful and I'm absolutely loving it so far. I know I sound like such a cheese ball but again, I honestly can't help myself.

For more pictures from Erika's trip so far, please visit http://www.facebook.com/squamishrotary