Holambra

Friday, April 10th was a national holiday for Easter here in Brazil. Everybody, except teachers, had the day off. So Jerry, I and Doctor and Sister Halls went on a little day trip. President and Sister Woodward decided to stay at the MTC in case something unexpected happened.

The picture above is one of two entrances to the town of Holambra. Founded in 1948 by Dutch immigrants escaping the devastation of WWII in Europe, it could be called the flower capital of South America. It is also home to other kinds of agricultural co-ops.

After a lunch of Dutch pancakes, we drove around the town and found these capivaras (world`s largest rodent) in a large park in the middle of the town.

These two were discussing the events of the day.

The largest of these animals can weigh 200 pounds.

At the other end of town stands a full size working windmill. It stands seven stories high.

The ground floor is a reception area.

Steep, narrow stairs lead from one floor to the next.

Jerry and I went all the way to the top.

Here I am with Dr. Halls (in the white shirt) on the varada or porch of the fourth floor.

One of the huge blades up close.
Looking up from the varanda that goes all the way around the windmill.

Signs were written in Portuguese, Dutch and English.

There were several signs that said. "Don`t Touch Anything!"

The EPA or some other US Government agency would never have allowed anyone above the 1st floor.

Going down we were asked to go backwards.This is a corn field across the road from the windmill.

A view of the land scape from the windmill.