First blog! 8 days :O

Hey all!
I am writing this blog from my home in Berea, I'm just testing the waters here on this blog site :). I hope you are all able to access this because I am writing this blog for all of YOU to see on the computer when I write.. which will be every so often, meaning as much as I can. Right now, I am getting ready for my big adventure which all (or most) of you know about -- I am an exchange student going to live in Portugal for an entire school year! I leave the 3rd of September, and come back sometime in June, I am not sure yet. I will be staying in about 2 hours away from the capital of Portugal in a small village outside of Leiria.. I have a host brother and host sister (as well as host parents) who seem very kind and open. But my first week in Portugal I will be spending with my host uncle and his family, and I am looking forward to that VERY much! Anyway, at this time I am trying to get my last goodbyes in since I am leaving in almost a week, and figuring what to take & not to take!! It's stressful... but I cannot wait to go :) ... I will not write for a few days.. more close to my departure day!

Tchau! (means good bye in portuguese :D)

Claire

P.S. ATTENTION: Would you like to be able to speak to me like we are on a phone ... but through your computer!? .. maybe even get to see my face? :) Well, join SKYPE -- it's a free downloadable online phone group that you can call people who have this program ... for FREE! All you need is a microphone, speakers, and a camera.. (& computer -- DUH!) and you're good to go! Just join at www.skype.com .... I would LOVE to talk to you all every once in awhile!! :)

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