Today I have prepared for the travel, still didn't believe I was chosen... read the invitation one more time and closed my bag. I am not going to take much. I was told that I can start fresh so... one hard drive with plenty memories and my laptop , my favourite shirts, and my favourite bonsai... oh.. i didn't present myself: I am Pedro Pereira, Portuguese,, 49 y.o., botanic, hobbies: bonsai, photography and solving everyday problem.

The rockets G's were a new experience, because I was in the Portuguese air force, I was used to some of that, but this time was different, a lot of G's and suddenly nothing, almost no noise and 0 G. Amazing. While we were on manurers to dock I manage to take some pictures and once I was saw earth from above... I was... speetchless. I don't believe there are nations making wars for stupid things... there's no point... we are all brothers and sisters in one big drop of water with some mounts of dirt.

Oh well, day one was amazing, can't wait to cooperate with others within this big nation in space.

Just leaving the shuttle... be back soon with more news.