Hi. Today was the first day with our host families and we were very anxious to know how things would work out. Fortunately, everyone here in Chicago adapted nicely to the families and everything.

The first day started very early and promised to be very busy. First, we went to the Hilton Hotel for breakfast in celebration of Martin Luther King's Day. It was a great event in a magnificent hall, with many important people (Chicago politicians, etc.). The great surprise happened on our way out, when we met the Mayor of Chicago by chance, and were able to take a photo with him — a unique opportunity, since something like this hardly happens. There was much energy in the place, with some singers who sang very well and managed to cheer the gathering.

Later we visited Lane Tech High School, a public school in Chicago, one of the largest schools of the city with 1,000 students. We then went to Walter Payton High School, another public school, but only four years old. We had the chance to talk to some students there (including one that spoke Portuguese, because her mother was Brazilian). It was very nice, since we had the more contact with these students. We talked a lot, because they were very interested in getting to know about Brazil.

In the evening, we went to The Sears Tower, the second highest building in the world, beautiful and all lit up. We had dinner on the 67th floor, a wonderful view! We could see the whole city of Chicago lit up.

Well, this was the first day in Chicago. Our first impression is positive, a very busy city with around 8 million people, wonderful buildings, beautiful houses in the far suburbs, ice around the sidewalks and on the roofs, very organized schools, the typical American scene.

Until next time


Regards,


Leonardo Abdalla - Elmhurst, IL