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            The last day in Sao Francisco, we went to nearby farms and studied the different types of farming. The farmland was very different than anything I have seen in the states, there were many different of types of produce planted in the same field- for example, one field had manioc (a little like potato), peppers, and mangoes. Traditionally, farmers have burned a part of the rainforest then allowed the ashes to help fertilize the soil to grow manioc. However over time the soil lost a lot of nutrients and the field is less productive. Today, many farmers are now transitioning traditional slash and burn to planting nutrient rich plants to chop and be used as fertilizer between produce. It was amazing to see the pride the farmers had for their many different types of tropical fruits and vegetables and the mode of production. 
Last week we explored Sao Francisco, a nearby town deeper into the Amazon. There we studied traditional slash and burn farming techniques, different types of rainforests (primary and secondary), and new farming styles. We began the three day study entering a primary forest then exploring a secondary forest to first-hand see the differences between original non manipulated, primary forests, and the impact of slash and burn forests, secondary forests. Next, we split into small group and carried out small studies of the area to practice for the large project at the end of the end of the semester. My group observed the correlation between gaps in the canopy and the biodiversity in the forest floor by measuring the size of the gap, the number of species on the ground, and the temperature of the soil. 
            Today is the sixth day of my homestay and third day for classes (not including orientation). In the morning I have three hours of Portuguese classes and in the afternoon I have environmental studies classes. Most of my time so far has been spent with my homestay family- Andreia (29 year old sister), Deca (mother) and Gabriel (brother- can’t remember age but around early 20s). They have been so incredibly nice to me- the night that I arrived I went out to get a burger and began to meet the neighborhood. My host sister has been introducing me to everyone- and all have been so so nice and full of compliments.             My host family has been feeding me so much- I am never hungry. Its almost too much food, but really delicious food. I have been eating mostly rice, beans, beef, mangoes, acai (soo good), and candy. My sister keeps telling me how skinny I am and I need to eat more, even though I have been eating so much more than at home. I have been trying to help clean around the house, but it is always followed by “why??? Noo nooo”.             My Portuguese is improving, although it feels really slow. My family is really good about speaking slowly. I am so grateful for everything that they have given me, and their ability to make me laugh. Also, I have so many mosquito bites, along with most of the other American students. All of the Brazilians cannot believe how many bites I have, because none of them have any.             Last Saturday, in the morning my host sister and I went to the market in the morning- where I had acai and tried many delicious fruits. Then in the evening I went to a reggae party, which was like nothing I have ever experienced in the states. We arrived to the party with a group of family friends (some people in their 20s and some parents) and danced until 4 in the morning. Although I could not keep up with the Brazilians, my dancing skills are not near as good. I tried dancing with many others, however many gave trying to teach me or had a good laugh. Overall, I was a lot of fun. My host brother has been teaching me to dance, so next time I will do better. 
Orientation ended with an excursion to the beautiful mangroves and nearby Beach near Ramonas. In the morning we climbed through a part of the mangroves (one of four types of forest in the Amazon where the soil is thick mud and trees with very distinct tangled roots). It was a lot of fun slipping, sliding and becoming stuck in the thick mud- everyone left completely covered in mud. Afterwards we rinsed off in the river then watched down the beach to meet a local fisherman who made a fresh fish lunch. When we finished lunch we swam in the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean, which was almost the warmth of bath water. It was an amazing way to be introduced the beauty of the Amazon rainforest and what we will expect for our future excursions when we boat down the Amazon River. Fun things I have learned about Brazil: -Toilettes always have a wastebasket nearby to throw away used toilette paper. -The largest meal in the day is lunch- often Brazilians will take 2 hours to eat, nap and socialize. -Children will live with their parents until marriage, and then afterwards will move out (it is not rare for Brazilians to live with their parents in their 20s, 30s, and 40s). -Some rooms will have hooks to hang hammocks to keep mosquitoes away at night. -Brazilians will shower 2-3 times a day. -Amazing amazing fruit! -It is very difficult to tell how old people are- everyone looks much younger than they really are. -Nothing happens on time, pretty much ever. -It pours everyday between 12 and 3ish and when it does everyone hides.
            My stay in Brazil in the past week has been beautiful, fast, humid, inspiring, and exhausting. My experience began in the Rio de Janeiro airport, where I picked up my bag, to transfer to the domestic terminal, after less than 30 minutes before my plane took to find that the plane wasn’t going to even leave for another hour later. So far, I have felt that Brazilian move at a much slower pace and listen to my poor Portuguese with great patience then respond with such kindness. I have already met so many beautiful and generous people who have helped me with directions and gone out of their way to give me advice and draw maps for new places to travel and explore on my free time.             I spent the first week at a farm/ hotel an hour outside of Belem for orientation where we were able to get to know the other students, begin to learn Portuguese, and background and history of the Amazon. I have had a lot of fun getting to know the other students and professors. The first couple of days we explored the farm, swam, ate delicious food, meanwhile learning the history of the Amazon, Portuguese, and Brazilian dancing!             On the fourth day of orientation we individually got dropped off at neighboring small towns for three hours to explore. Initially overwhelmed with my minimal Portuguese I found myself at the young children’s school and began to speak to the kids. A professor right away brought me in and took me to the administrator to find out where I came from and help me find my way home. I next found myself ushered away from the school back into town and invited into the middle school where classes were canceled for the day and everyone entered in and out of a small room to see a white/ blonde girl from the United States. For the next three hours I talked with them about the United States, cultural difference, smiled for dozens of pictures and received at least a dozen of pens from the kids. At times I was frustrated with my lack of complex Portuguese, specifically when one child asked me about racism and bullying in the United States. Overall, I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the school attendants and children for the time they took away from their day and the interest in my presence. 
First blog post! Only 6 days until I leave for Belem, Brazil!