Return to the Table of Contents for Brazil The Diary of Maria Ruiz Dear Diary, May 11, 1809 It has been a year since the royal family has come for Portugal. I was so surprised to hear of their arrival, I can still remember the day. I did not think they would be here, even though they were having issues with the French in Europe. They say they’ll remove the Portuguese monopoly in our trades, and let us trade with all friendly nations. Already, there’s been a change in our lands- there are merchants everywhere! Yesterday I got a new job, earning a higher wage then I used to. I can finally afford a house, which my boys and I can move into- instead of that nasty apartment we used to live in. Joyous day!