Joan had a lot of field trip experience and experiment. She had one final thesis that she needs to pass before she graduate. It would be outside the country. A problem for her because she needs company to go there > in Brazil. She thought she can seek the advice of Janice, Jenny and Jeaneth to go with her. Or she can choose other countries in South America. Since Jenny's mother lives in Brazil then its favorable for her to go there with her who knows the country very well instead of treading remote areas. It was her professor who had chosen or recommended South America to her. She can't say no. Her grades, a higher mark that she wants to achieve. Just that thesis if she pass it then there's no need for her to attend other subjects. That's how important that thesis is for the class and for the university.
Joan feels unhappy. Getting out of the country especially for a month long and staying in another place totally unrelated to her is a big problem for her. She's not used to it. She's not used to being away from her own family. Besides it would mean a lot of spending, expenditures for that travel, board and lodging, air fare, food allowance, etc. Well, it would require lots of money alright. Can her parents afford expenses like that?
Joan's father Mr. Richter is an architect right? He can afford such expenses epecially for her favorite daughter and for her graduate studies. He always want the best for his daughter besides Joan is smart and he knew she wont fail. He would be happy to lend her travel expenses for that project of hers.
Joan phoned her friends right away about her decision and after consulting with her caring parents. It's time for Joan to seek opportunity somewhere aside from being stagnant in one place. She needs to learn, explore other venues, and other possibilities. With that special thesis that surely is a gateway to better opportunities.
Joan phoned Janice first who is very excited. She is willing to accompany her. She wants to get out of the country and besides she's done with her thesis and has already passed. This is her grand vacation to boot. Now it's Jenny's turn. At first Jenny was reluctant. She is very busy with work and studying plus looking after her child. Arnel was employed in the Army but probably would be able to accompany them for one week not one month. Then they waited for answers from Jeaneth who is having her practicum in the Children's Hospital. Only that and they will soon expect a long trip to Brazil.
After 3 days Jenny phoned Joan that she had a change of heart and then finally , she told her she and her family would love to go with her. Joan was happy as you can hear her screaming and jumping. Then later in the afternoon, Jeaneth phoned and was excitedly screaming too in announcing that she is able and willing to join the whole group. It's the first time for the four ladies to get out of Canada. You can feel how joyous and excited and jubilant all of them for this one of a kind holiday and research study for Joan.
They had their passports and Visa and other pertinent documents ready within limited time. Boarded Air Canada flight from Vancouver to Sao Paulo. The long flight kept them awake. Except Jenny's baby who slept through the night or wake up from time to time to have her milk. The girls kept themselves busy reading newspapers, magazines, pocketbooks. Later they watched DVD, 3 movies in succession. Once in a while they were napping but shorter than 10 minutes or twenty minutes because of mild turbulence or air pockets along the clouds.
Finally, Air Canada landed at Rio de Janeiro International Airport. The girls were happy to see too many strange but happy, lively faces. Loud noises from passengers and expats who are non- stop talking in their language: Spanish, portuguese and other languages that they cannot comprehend and understand. Almost like pandemonium in the airport. Hundreds, thousands of people. The noise is suffocating.
Suddenly out of nowhere, from the crowd of people waiting for the arrivals somebody shouted, "Ola Jenny!!"
Note: Thanks to Vegan International Festival for the beautiful stunning picture of Rio de Janeiro's picturesque view
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