Hiking in the Rain had never been so much fun!

I had the privilege to work with a class of students in the Access Microscholarship Program given by the State Department. "The U.S. State Department's English Access Microscholarship Program provides a foundation of English language skills to non-elite, 14 - 18 year old students worldwide through afterschool classes and intensive summer learning activities. Access students gain an appreciation for American culture and democratic values, increase their ability to participate successfully in the socio-economic development of their countries, and gain the ability to compete for and participate in future U.S. exchange and study programs." (From here) They really were wonderful to work with, they asked insightful questions, even about grammar! They did their homework. They were so motivated it encouraged me to do more and more for them. I wanted to hike the Serra da Mesa, loosely translated as Table Mountain, a bit outside of town but I knew it would be more fun with some other folks. I recruited my class to come and almost all of them came. It was a first for some and the third or fourth trip for others. We also got the director of the Language Insititute, Mr. Sales, and teachers, Mr. Narcisso and Mr. Valente, to come as well. As we approached the huge rock the grey clouds were a bit too close for comfort. We got half way and it downpoured! The rain made the hot mountain steam up! In any case the students took it in stride and we waited it out so we could get some pics, then headed back down. It was much harder to come down. Mr. Sales told me I was the first of their foreign visitors to reach the top! What an honor. I wonder if they have a trophy for that?