I just got back to campus, and I do not feel that bad. After a thirty something hour flight yesterday, I could be feeling much worse, but a good night’s kip in my own bed followed by some coffee and juice recharged my batteries. I’m just back on campus to tie up loose ends before Christmas.

Brazil was different than I expected. Somehow it was more cramped. Our first day there Luke came down with a nasty virus which, almost inevitably, spread. Two days later, I got it. Not fun. It was lovely to see the family though.

My uncle owns a farm in brazil; he and my aunt moved out there in the seventies or early eighties, and they made a family there. They had two children: Christina, a botanist who proved herself very adept at looking after extended family last week, and Alexander, whose marriage we went to witness. They seem to be doing well out there – the farm is large and thriving; my aunt seems very happy indeed. Despite my cold, I had a great deal of fun; the highlight was probably getting to ride a horse around the farm, my wheelchair being most unsuitable. Chris took us to a great big party in the local football stadium one night, although, true to form, I fell asleep in my wheelchair. I also met some relatives who I hadn’t seen since I was five: my uncles brother and his family, who proved to be most excellent people. Claire and rob are about my age, and I look forward to getting to know them properly on facebook.

The wedding itself was magnificent. It was held at the cathedral in belem, where Alex works. The service was catholic, I think; everyone looked amazing. After that, there came the drinking and dancing and the whiskey and the falling-asleep-in-the-wheelchair.

So, in all I had a great time. Alex is the first of ‘us’ (by which I mean those still referred to as the children at family gatherings) to get married. I’m not sure who is going to be next, but Alex and Sueleny’s marriage will be a tough act to follow.