Hello José, Thank you so much for reading my LONG story! It is a sad one indeed. Not only Portuguese women had this type of situation happen to them. I'm happy to know there are Freitas in Canada! The name is popping up here in New York state a bit more now too. Now that you mention the name Pico do Arieiro, I'm sure that was it. I just couldn't remember the name. We went from seeing the town inside the volcano, to the snow capped pico to waterfalls that were in the rocks along the cliffs going around the island. What a diverse place to live! Regards, Denise D'Antona In a message dated 1/19/2006 4:19:43 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, jose.fernandes@yrdsb.edu.on.ca writes: Denise, There are some Freitas living in Canada! I want to thank you for sharing your story. I felt sad for our people, especially our women who have suffered so much over the years. My grandmother told of many stories similar to yours. The mountain that you saw must have been Pico do Arieiro, but I am sure Paulo will tell you that. Greetings from Canada. José Fernandes