Where's Mary? Welcome to my Web Log!

Stop in, meet my family and friends, and join me in my adventures around the world.

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eric: Nice journal, have a great week!

Christy Davidson: You're not going to stop the blog now that you're home are you? I bet it feels strange to be back home. Good luck figuring out what to do next.

Christy Davidson: I can't believe your time is almost over either! You've had a lot of fun and it has been neat to live vicariously through your journal. Enjoy your last couple of weeks!

Greg Wegler: Mary,I was looking at your fantastic website. It appears that you are having the time of your life. Your friends at Harbortown Rotary all envy and miss you. Stay safe and we look forward to your return to hear about your adventures. Good luck!Greg

Mary: Not many virus problems on a Mac, but not many programs, either! I'll check out Foxfire next time it rains!

tom besore: Maybe you should invest in a Macintosh?? Very few virus problems on that platform.Have you tried the Firefox browser yet? It is great.Another solution might be to read all your e-mail through www.mail2web.com. This would avoid downloading the e-mail to your computer, but would keep it on the server, letting you read and delete without getting viruses on your own machine.

Eileen: Hi Mary,I missed hearing from you today. Hope the peace walk was fun. Your pics are great and it's fun reading about all your adventures! Keep 'em coming!Love, Eileen

Tom Besore: Yeah! Photos at last. That bridge in Brasilia is cool. Is it for sale?Also love the street scenes with architecture. Just like home.

Tom Besore: Oh, I am so confused. What I meant to say was I think you are at GMT - 3, which is three ours ahead of our own GMT-6 here in Illinois.

Tom Besore: The link for the incorrect time zone calculation was http://www.brol.com/trv_cty02weather.asp?ID=18

Tom Besore: Mary, this link states that goiania is GMT -6, but other sites say GMT-3. Which is it? I think it's GMT-6 which is three hours ahead of our time now.Also, do you have broadband web access or just dialup? Would be fun to send you a webcam and try a videocall sometime over the internet.

Tom Besore: Okay, time to get a Brazil photo album going. Enough about laying by the pool and relaxing. How about getting up and taking some pictures of your surroundings???

khawer: mary! are you back?! enjoyed looking the pictures! welcome back!

Angela Nery: Mary, just today I had the opportunity to read your journal trip. I was delighted to read the news of your trip. I foresee I writer here. I think you could think about it. It took me just some minutes to read all your reports. It was a great experience. I know who will be my partner in my trips around the world in the next years. Beijos do BrasilAngela.

Seollee: Wow~ there are some great pictures from Japan!!I'm so happy. There are really cute ones of mine too! Thanx~♡ I love reading your journal too especially when it's my experience also. I miss you and Luv ya!!

Leonardo: Hey Mary! I am very glad to know and "see" how amazing your trip has been. I haven't had much time to write to you but as your time to go home get closer and closer, I can't even wait to meet you again and carefully listen to your brand new experiences. Once again I look forward to learn what you have to teach. More than ever. Miss you.

Ricky: I have enjoyed reading your adventures! The blog is a great way to keep in touch! Love, Ricky

Cindy: Mary, Don't deposit all of those dollars. We haven't had any donuts for some time now.PS It's encouraging to know that even the savy traveler can do an "Oops" now and then.

Cindy: Such great photos. And it is so much fun to live a little through your adventures. Sure wish I was with you instead of at my desk worrying about who is to follow in your footsteps. I am so happy that you are having such a wonderful time. Call us when you get back.

Kyle: Great Blog Mary!! We have been following along back here at the office, sounds like you are having a great time. We will make sure to forward on a appreciative thanks to Mike F., Keith N., and Rick V. on your behalf for allowing you this experience. We miss you already enjoy the rest of your travels.

Ricky: WOW!!!! You are having an AWESOME experience in Korea... I have enjoyed a lot reading all about your adventures, the pictures are SUPER GREAT! There are so many and I want to see them all tonight! HUGS to you, to Seollee and Seollee's family!

Christy: Neat photos! Can't wait for the journal! Why not post it here? You are more than welcome to create a journal at plastic-castle like mine, too. Just register and email Tom to be sure you get activated.

Ricky: Where are you? How are you doing? How is Korea? How is Seollee? Please write! I want to know how is your trip going... I want to see pictures also... I wish to be there... HAVE FUN MARY!

Ricardo Dominguez: Hello Mary! I love the idea to have an online journal, I will enjoy to read all your adventures around the world! Ricky

Thursday, December 9th 2004

3:09 PM

On the Road Again

I've been in Chicago for a few days already, but I'm leaving for Brazil tonight. I had a few tastes of winter before I left, so I won't miss out on it completely. I helped to get dance teams lined up for the Christmas City of the North Parade 3 weeks ago in freezing rain and I shoveled snow last week in Duluth. It's been reasonably warm in Chicago, but very grey. I'm ready for some sun!

Spending a few days in Chicago was a great way to start a trip. I've had a little time to relax, and now I just have to think about closing my suitcases and getting to the airport. I've already done everything I can to get my house ready and I said goodbye to everyone in Duluth. Well, I'm almost ready - Dante just sent me an email asking me to buy more stuff!

There was a party at Tom and Blasine's house on Sunday night, so I got to spend time with most of my family. I've been to most of my favorite restaurants in Chicago and I've been shopping at Oakbrook twice and downtown and Water Tower Place once each. I can't possibly fit any more in my bags!

I listed my goals for my trip to Korea and Japan, so I think I'll do the same for my Brazil trip because many people have asked me what I intend to do for 6 months.

Most importantly, I want to spend quality time with Dante, Lenora, Livia, Luciana, Leo, and their families. I want to be immersed in the Portuguese language and Brasilian culture to develop as much fluency as possible in 6 months. I would like to develop an understanding of the history, economics, and sociology of Brasil and its relationships with the US, Europe, Africa, and the rest of South America. I want to travel to experience many geographic areas of Brasil, including Goias, Caldas Novas, Bahia, Pantanal, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and possibly Amazonia, Fortaleza, and Iguacu Falls.

I have a couple service-type projects for myself. I want to identify a joint project for Harbortown and a Rotary in Goiania, with potential for participation from District World Community Service and Rotary International funds. I want to learn about the Presbyterian Church in Brasil, and identify possibilities for cooperation and exchange between Glen Avon Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian seminary in Goiania. I want to work as a part time volunteer mentor or teacher at Abrigo Nosso Lar or some other organization that serves young people in Goiania.

Finally, I want to learn about buying, owning, and selling property in Brasil and decide if it makes sense for me to buy a condo or an apartment there. I think all of this should keep me busy for 6 months, but if anyone wants to come to visit me or travel with me, let me know and I'll make time for you. I guarantee that you'll love Brasil - it's an amazing country and you're guaranteed to have fun!