What an amazing feeling to step off the plane in Sao Paulo and pass through the line marked "Brazilians" to enter the country. I felt blessed and ready for adventure. Now I sit in my Aunt Helena's apartment overlooking the city of Piracicaba (2 hours from Sao Paulo). It is here I will be for the next three weeks feeding my Brazilian soul with family, language and culture.

Brazil smells the same as I remember: fresh bread, laundered hanging clothes and relaxing evening breezes. I am still catching up on rest and am looking forward to a routine.