H. Lynn Beck had no clue what to do after finishing his master;s degree

in Vermont, so he applied to join the Peace Corps.

Eventually, he was invited to work in Brazil, and he agreed to work

in education in the state of Mato Hrosso. He began counting down

the days to the start of training.

While his Portuguese consisted of ninety-five percent Spanish and

five percent Portuguese, he managed to communicate. Working in the

geographic center of South America, he felt as if he'd been dumped

into a pressure cooker as it was so hot and humid.

After thirty years in Cuiaba, he took a new position in Natal, Rio

Grande do Norte. Even though it meant moving from the western side

of Brazil to the extreme eastern side, it also gave him the chance to

stay in Brazil.

Working at the state agricultural extension office, not much was expected

of him, but he had an excuse to stay in Brazil for at least another two

years, allowing him to learn the language and culture.

Join the author as he travels rural roads, meets large rats and tarantulas,

and makes friends while immersing himself in a rich culture.