658 Brookhaven, New York, USA, 6 September 1998 They've known one another since nursery school... Bill, who owns a small marina in Long Island Bay, and school bus driver Ninon have decided to change the way they live in the new millennium, but without leaving the area where they spent their childhood and where their parents live (in the picture are Bob and Helen, Bill's parents). Their daughter Anny hankers after foreign travel. She's just joined the Peace Corps and will be off to Africa shortly. 659 Brookhaven, New York, USA, 6 September 1998 John is a film producer, while Jody will go back to studying to be a social worker after the birth of their little girl. She is also keen to adopt children in the near future ... Ten-year-old Annie dreams of becoming a champion: she's been riding since she was three, but she's also very good at football, which explains her broken arm. In the new millennium, they'd like people to change, and their life to take on more meaning, beginning with the most important things - other people, in particular ... 660 Brookhaven, New York, USA, 7 September 1998 George is a police officer, like his father and grandfather before him. He's just got back from his night shift in a Queens precinct to pose with his family. His wife Julie put her career as a hairdresser and make-up artist on hold to bring up her three children, but she now wants to get back to work. They both want to go off and explore their country by car with their little tribe ... 661 Bellport, New York, USA, 7 September 1998 We found them in the swimming pool at their Long Island holiday house. Artist Jessie illustrates children's books; she also works in advertising and arranges and dresses shop windows. Her big plan is to go off and draw the world - a major trip that she'd like to do with the whole family. Carl is a physicist and computer engineer. He's waiting for a breeze to get up on Bellport Bay so he can go windsurfing. When we ask, "How do a scientist and an artist get along?" he answers in a flash: "It's very easy. She sees the whole picture, I see the details, so we complement each other." 662 Brookhaven, New York, USA, 8 September 1998 They knew each other as babies, and got married 25 years later. Nothing in the world would induce them to leave the area where their entire, large and close-knit family live. Mike manages a breaker's yard and Michelle is a dentist's assistant. They like family holidays in the snow, for skiing and snowmobiling - their two shared passions, apart from Mike's sea fishing and shopping for Michelle (says Mike)! 664 Brookhaven, New York, USA, 8 September 1998 Keo has had a turbulent life - he fled war-torn Laos, took refuge in the United States, and has been trying every angle to obtain American citizenship ever since. He met Souk at 18, when she came to have her hair cut at the salon where he was working. Today, he grows his hot peppers in pots with a view to an imminent move to a new house in the neighbourhood. 666 Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, 10 September 1998 "They're the best parents I ever had," announces seven-year-old Don Jr. This Mennonite family works in the local tourist industry. Don organizes trips for tourists who want to get to know about Amish life and traditions. Florence is a part-time guide ... "and a full-time mother," she adds. Their message: "God created the family, it was the very first institution on earth, and we're hoping that it'll exist as long as the world keeps going." 667 Manheim, Pennsylvania, USA, 10 September 1998 "I'm trying really hard to lose all the weight I put on by sampling the dishes my wife makes," declares Jack. Dee Dee is actually an excellent and famous cook, and author of a recipe book. She regularly organizes dinners at their farm to introduce "English" (anyone who's not Amish) to Amish cooking. Jack does his bit by showing tourists round the Lancaster region in a horse-drawn vehicle. 668 Sayville, New York, USA, 12 September 1998 Beth and Phil have two projects for the new millennium: one is to have another baby; the other to get a boat so they can go to the beach more often (Beth's version) and go fishing (Phil's version). They're glad they live in reach of their nearest and dearest in an environment they wouldn't change for the world. They view the future with an optimistic eye. 669 Brookhaven, New York, USA, 12 September 1998 "It's easier to sell 'em than to fish 'em," reckons Derek, a mussel and oyster wholesaler ... Which doesn't deter him from getting ready for another fishing outing with friends, just like the previous day, from which he returned with "one tiny little fish and a hangover ... ". Every year, Derek, Monica and the children visit a new place during the vacation, before going back to their wonderful house in the woods. 670 Brookhaven, New York, USA, 12 September 1998 Pete is a jack-of-all-trades, originally from the Falkland Islands, where he worked on a sheep farm. Then he went to Australia and worked in the copper mines. He met Jennifer when he was working on a boat doing Antarctic trips. Today, the two of them breed alpacas on Long Island (New York) while carrying on their jobs as tourist interpreters and guides on a Russian ice-breaker plying the Arctic Ocean. Jennifer's daughter Carin is a writer, as is her husband Tim. In spite of everything, they're hoping their child-to-be will go into finance rather than literature. 671 Brookhaven, New York, USA, 26 September 1998 Denis is a ball of fire - teacher, all-round sports coach, surfer, skier, and collector of old tractors. He loves driving his machines over the fields of his Massachusetts farm, where he grows maize, cuts hay and harvests apples and blueberries. Julie, who's a schoolteacher, shares all his activities with him. They dream of setting up home on their farm one day, "but not before they get a 'proper' bathroom in the house", Julie says. "The new millennium should encourage us to learn to get to know one another; our school, where we have african americans, whites and Asians, is an example of what life together should be like," they say. 672 Brookhaven, New York, USA, 27 September 1998 "We'll come to the first exhibition of the "1000 Families" in Europe, even if I have to give up my job," says Mary, schoolteacher, mother and wife ("not necessarily in that order") ... Steve, who started out his professional life as a social worker, quickly switched to manual work. Today he is a carpenter: "People are too hard to change. At least with my own hands, I can turn a pile of planks into a house in just a few days. That's something real." For the time being, Chris, Kathy and Sarah think their parents are "the best!" Steve's closing words to us: "Be less selfish and give more to others." 676 Westport Island, Maine, USA, 29 September 1998 Tonya's been waiting three days to give birth and she's still working an hour's drive from home, as if it was no big thing ... "The doctor recommended that she keep busy," Gary replies confidently to our worried expressions. He is a fisherman through and through, but a carpenter out of necessity and these days he only fishes now and then. "Don't judge our country from all the stupid things you read in the newspapers right now," they say patriotically to the world's families. 677 Georgetown, Maine, USA, 1 October 1998 Mike represents the sixth generation of fishermen in his family, and the seventh already seems guaranteed because one of his five sons, Calvin, loves fishing. The others tend to have a soft spot for football and basketball ... They would like to be able to travel more, but fishing for lobster (the local speciality) and bringing up their children leave them little time for fun. 678 Westport Island, Maine, USA, 10 October 1998 Respectively a government employee and a school teacher, Ron and Leslie are both nature lovers. They live on an island in the middle of a forest, in a house where Ron came on holiday when he was a boy. "We go boating in the summer, skiing in the winter, and all year round I cut wood for the fire," Ron tells us as he shows us his cellar, a miniature brewery, no less. He has been brewing his own beer for 15 years, and offers us a tankard or two to sample the excellent brew. 680 Toronto, Canada, 4 October 1998 "Stay together" is the advice to the world's families from marketing consultant Brian. He gets his own family together as often as possible. We met them in a Toronto park, where young Nicolas was training to be a champion hockey player. 681 Toronto, Canada, 4 October 1998 "Making a film is harder than bringing up a child," is the conclusion of this young, film-making couple. They write, direct, produce and act in their films, and hope that the near future will find them busy making a feature-length film. 683 Toronto, Canada, 4 October 1998 "Bikes are better," they chorus in unison. The whole family is going for a bike ride this afternoon (Sunday). Jason is an artist, sculptor and "houseman". Heather has set up her own company to put businesses in contact with schools in order to get better school equipment through sponsoring ... "I hope that the world will think about everything we might be able to have in the future, provided that everybody behaves with a bit more wisdom and reflection ...," sighs Jennifer. 684 Amana, Iowa, USA, 8 October 1998 Their grandparents arrived here in 1855 fleeing from Germany, where they were being persecuted for their religious beliefs. Today, William and Lina still speak German and live in keeping with Amana tradition - a tradition which is gradually being watered down by the hordes of tourists pouring in from all over America to taste the local cooking. William and Lina opened their restaurant in 1940. It is managed by their son, and today it is one of the best eateries in the Amana colony. 686 Amana, Iowa, USA, 10 October 1998 "I should like the old adage, which has it that your word is your bond, to become a reality in the new millennium," Matthew tells us. He works in a refrigeration factory and helps his parents in the sawmill they've been running since the year null. Wendy would like to have another child, and in the meantime enjoys going hunting with her husband - in the little free time she has from her job with United Airlines. Their parents, Mildred and Martin, live in the area and are glad to have most of their children near by. 687 Norway, Iowa, USA, 10 October 1998 Donald has been dreaming of being a farmer since he was a boy. We met him on his father's farm where he works part-time, and which he hopes to take over one day. Cari, expecting her fourth child, will be happy to be able to work with him. They are very attached to their native soil, and they wouldn't live anywhere else for anything in the world. 688 Amana, Iowa, USA, 10 October, 1998 "Liebe geht durch den Magen," Karen tells us. She met her husband in his restaurant, which was established by his parents in 1940. Of German stock, like all the people in the seven villages that make up Amana, they are very attached to their region, and life centers around the family. Their children are very sporty and have a ball game practically every evening - soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball ... This keeps their parents so busy that they don't have time for their own favourite ball game: golf. 689 Des Moines, Iowa, USA, 11 October 1998 "No problem," answers Brent, when asked about the famous Y2K bug ... He ought to know what he's talking about since he works for Apple Computers. Mary works for the state's Department of Education and five-year-old Harrison proudly tells us he's at the kindergarten. Their message is simple and beautiful: "Love your children." 690 Des Moines, Iowa, USA, 11 October 1998 Brent and Sherri have devoted Sunday to the family, beginning with morning mass, followed by an afternoon walk and picnic in the park. Brent is a bit sorry he can't watch the football match on TV, but the children come first ... A third child in 2000? Why not? 692 Roland Park, Kansas, USA, 13 October 1998 "Stay together and be faithful" is the message from Scott and Kim, practising Catholics and contented parents. Scott is a consultant in an investment company, and doesn't have much time for his favourite sport, golf. "Our current hobby, which will be our hobby for several years to come, is our children." 694 Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 14 October 1998 Rodney is South African, and Nuran comes from Turkey. They met in Italy, and their children were born in England, Chicago and Germany. Yes, you guessed right: they are circus artists. With his partner, Rodney performs a trapeze act that takes your breath away - it earned them a first prize for circus acts in 1996. Their three boys travel all the time with their parents - a tutor handles their education. They love the circus atmosphere, but haven't really decided whether they will work in the circus one day ... 695 Kansas City, Missouri, USA, 14 October 1998 Former acrobat Duncan now works as tent-master: he is in charge of putting up and taking down the big top of the Soul Circus, the only black circus in the United States. His wife Emily has started training again after giving birth to Alex, and is preparing two acts: one with elephants, the other on the trapeze. They are on the road for ten months a year, which explains why they dream of a big house with lots of land, a few cows, some chickens ... and maybe a third child. 696 Memphis, Tennessee, USA, 17 October 1998 Tom and Monica arranged to meet us at the football ground where they take their daughter Christina, who is doing well on the school team. Monica teaches literature and Tom philosophy at Memphis State University. Their many hobbies - blues, classical music, reading, tennis, basketball, football and softball, take up the bulk of their free time. 702 Memphis, Tennessee, USA, 17 October 1998 Marker is a happy man. He is pictured here in uniform posing with his fiancée (in the middle) and surrounded by his father, his mother-in-law, his grandmother and three cousins. His childhood dream of becoming a park ranger has come true. Today he is in charge of a huge national park in Memphis. He sees the future through rose-tinted glasses. In the new millennium, he wants to get married and have three children in a row. 703 Memphis, Tennessee, USA, 18 October 1998 "Our goal is to get all our children to university," say Irving and Pat, whose shared hobby is angling. Pat has a gift for painting and Irving is in a hurry to go off to his Sunday golf game, but he does give us a last word of advice: "Don't watch too much TV." 704 Memphis, Tennessee, USA, 18 October 1998 'Artist minister' is how Tommy describes himself. He bought his title of 'Reverend' by mail for $35. With the help of his wife Kat, he performs an Elvis number for soon-to-be-wed couples at their marriage ceremony. In ordinary life, Tommy is an art student and Kat teaches history at Memphis State University. Their idea for 2000 would be to get together the 300-odd couples they've joined in matrimony for a gigantic vow-renewal ceremony in their Viva Memphis Wedding Chapel ... 705 Memphis, Tennessee, USA, 18 October 1998 We photographed the Walken family after Sunday performance at the "Elvis Presley" Club of Memphis. Reginald and two of his sons belong to a gospel group, and the rest of the family came to applaud them. 707 Interior, South Dakota, USA, 22 October 1998 Daniel's grandparents settled in these parts at a time when the land didn't belong to anyone - "all you had to do was move in, and build yourself a house, to have your own place". He's always lived here, on his ranch, with his horses and hundreds of cows, like a real cowboy. Because the ranch is miles from the next house, it's Heidi, a teacher by training, who educates the children. She adapts what she teaches to the sensibilities and needs of each individual child, giving them what she reckons they need to blossom. 708 Interior, South Dakota, USA, 22 October 1998 "2000 doesn't mean any more than any other year. I was born here, and for all these years I haven't seen much improvement in the way our people live, it's still just as hard. So obviously, for the future, my dreams and wishes go to my children and the Indian people." 709 Oglala, South Dakota, USA, 22 October 1998 Christopher and Lisa live with their mother, their brothers and their cousins in a house full of trophies won at many a "powwow", social meeting and native dance competition organized in the Indian reservations. Christopher has just finished his studies. He's a specialist in cultural research in the reservation's environmental protection agency. Lisa is still a student - she wants to be a nurse - and would like three more children in addition to the one she's already had. Both are taking courses to learn their native languages: Okata for Chris and Pueblo for Lisa, and they dream of walking across Europe ... 710 Gillette, Wyoming, USA, 24 October 1998 Despite appearances to the contrary, Cody is not a young daddy; he's taking part in a school project aimed at making teenagers more aware of the problems of having children at their age. To do this, a baby doll fitted with a chip to reproduce the behaviour of a baby, day and night, is used. Cody plays ice hockey with his brother, and he's a wrestler too. His dream is to become a professional wrestler. His father Shawn is a contractor, and his mother a schoolteacher dealing with problem children. 711 Gillette, Wyoming, USA, 24 October 1998 Five-year-old Skylow is absolutely sure that he doesn't want to drive a locomotive - he's going to be a farmer. His father is an engineer on the famous Sante Fe Rail Road, taking coal from Gillette to the eastern United States. Allison is expecting her "third and last" baby. They spend their weekends at their parents' ranch, where they see their brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces. Their principles for bringing up their children are straightforward: "Raise your children the way you were raised, and it'll all be just fine." 712 Gillette, Wyoming, USA, 24 October 1998 Michael is a part-time cowboy whose dream, like that of his two boys, is to be a full-time cowboy. Five-year-old Lothan already rides all on his own and has no doubt about his future - "I'm gonna be a cowboy." No wonder :Wyoming is also called "The Cowboy State" 714 Story, Wyoming, USA, 25 October 1998 Rider Masha is three. An orphan of Russian extraction, she's just been adopted by the Flinn family. Dwayne and Barbara breed exotic animals: miniature donkeys, llamas, Indian horses and so-called 'fainting goats', which pass out at the slightest excitement! 125 animals in all - enough to keep the family more than busy. 715 San Francisco, California, USA, 10 November 1998 "Photography is my drug, as is the outdoor life, camping and hiking in the forest," says Eric, a photographer specializing in erotic fetishism. His divorce and his new situation as a single father looking after his two daughters have changed his life: "I've learnt how to cook (pasta ...), and I don't go out all night now looking for a potential model." When he has some spare time, he looks after his girls and tries to tame his girlfriend. 716 Redwood City, California, USA, 10 November 1998 Barbara, who's French, is a woman with many passions: she paints, writes, studies and works as a bilingual psychologist (Spanish and English) in a school. She, her American husband John - a software consultant - and Donna, their adopted Haitian daughter, live in a beautiful and very comfortable villa. But they love sleeping in their tent, too. "Sometimes we go off camping just half an hour from here, simply for the pleasure of spending the night in nature and getting away from our daily routine ... " 717 Durand, Michigan, USA, 12 November 1998 They love the sporting life: golf, bowling, hockey, angling; and yet they met in a nightclub. Craig and Amy are model parents, and their message is simple: "Devote as much time as you can to your children, they're the future of the world." 718 Santa Monica, California, USA, 13 November 1998 Beach volleyball, kickboxing, yoga, surfing, rollerskating, running and swimming are just a few of their pastimes. Mark works in a Hollywood production company, while Allison is a housewife. Both want a bigger family in the near future. "Come and see us," they say, "there's lots to be learnt from other people." 719 Kelowna, Canada, 13 November 1998 They're on holiday and have their roller-skates on full time. A chiropractor and a plastic surgeon's assistant, they met at the hospital. To celebrate the new millennium, their 12-year-old daughter Kelly wants to do a bungee jump before embarking on a career as a professional footballer ... 720 North Hollywood, California, USA, 13 November 1998 "We work as a family and do what we like doing" is Antoine's splendid motto. He's a sculptor and composer, while his wife's a painter. Together they've set up a design studio which makes sets for the film industry. They tell us: "Every family must remain genuine, that's how traditions survive and enrich us all." 721 North Hollywood, California, USA, 14 November 1998 Max wants to be a palaeontologist and Martin-the-skeleton is his best buddy. His father's a "genius with his hands," and designs and makes special effects for Disney. His workshop, which is like Ali Baba's cave, is where Martin, the skeleton, was created. Cristina, originally from Argentina, is a bilingual teacher at a primary school attended by recent South American immigrant children: "Find time to play," is their advice. 723 Terrebonne, Oregon, USA, 15 November 1998 Dick and Jeanne travel are "Sun birds". They cross the length and breadth of the United States 'following the sun' and attending camper meetings throughout the year. Their life is lived in homemobiles: "Our son was born 46 years ago in our second camper. This is our 36th camper in 46 years of marriage ... and never a tent," adds Jeanne. Don't they miss having a house? "In a house we get homesick," exclaims Dick. 725 Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, 19 November 1998 Lee met Chuck in the Hippie Restaurant, which he managed in the 1970s. Twenty years on, they're living in a magnificent house designed by Chuck, who's become a contractor in Santa Fe. Lee is now a bilingual schoolteacher, after a career as a photographer and owner of a professional photo lab. Twelve-year-old Rosie wants to be a teacher, "but not because of mom - I had the idea before she did," she explains. 726 Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, 20 November 1998 Architect Pedro and Sarah, a bilingual teacher at the Santa Fe public school, fell in love at first sight 17 years ago. Three children later, they've got a big project for 2000, which is to restore their Colorado house (it's 120 years old) and live there surrounded by their horses, cows and dogs. At weekends the family goes riding, and they enjoy leading a cowboy life with their local friends ... Do we really need to add that Pedro collects cowboy hats? 727 Ribera, New Mexico, USA, 20 November 1998 Theirs was a spectacular first encounter - Doug was thrown by a horse that he was breaking in. He flew right over the fence and landed on his feet looking straight at Patty, who was among the spectators. He believed in fate; she thought he was a stuntman - in any event, they've been together ever since. These days he's a travelling farrier going from ranch to ranch, and they want to have a second child soon . "Keep on riding," Doug says to us as we leave. 728 Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, 21 November 1998 Painter and musician Daven, who is 100% Apache, found his wife in a catalogue. Model and actress Jill, who is one-third Native American, one-third German and one-third Irish, is well known in Santa Fe, where her fashion photos grace many magazines and catalogues. Daven met her in town and asked her to pose for him ... then married her not long afterwards. Today Jill would like to write and act in a play for the children on Indian reservations. They go to lots of powwows together. Jill reckons the Apache are outstanding dancers. 730 Santa Cruz, New Mexico, USA, 21 November 1998 Monique is a fashion stylist, sculptor and painter, and she also does window dressing for Santa Fe's exclusive stores. Garry is a musician and potter, and Clay plays the piano - and the computer. All three go riding whenever their many activities let up a little. Monique, who comes from Holland, has always felt the pull of the Wild West. "Karl May (the all-time most popular german writer 1842-1912) first aroused my interest," she confides. . 731 Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, 21 November 1998 The Chavez family go back a long way: their ancestors arrived in America in 1492, and the family has been living in New Mexico since 1680. They can trace the family back through 13 generations, all proud of their Spanish origins. Miguel designs furniture and traditional objects. He's trying to get cabinet-making included in the school curriculum, and this year the students in one class will be creating and signing their own chairs. Elena, who's 20, was elected Queen of Sante Fe 1997, and is now competing for the Miss New Mexico title this year. 732 Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, 21 November 1998 Mika and Irene are crazy about motorbikes and speed. Their motto, inscribed on the gas tank, reads: "Faster than a speeding ticket", which says it all ... Irene isn't content just to be in the passenger seat, and drives this tricycle through Santa Fe herself. Mika is the city's motorbike mechanic, and his workshop is bristling with incredible bikes ... 733 Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, 22 November 1998 Chris is a realtor, Indian art dealer and maker of "American Spirit cigarettes". He's preparing us a surprise for 2000 ... a tobacco-free cigarette, made entirely with herbs ... and not harmful at all. 734 Creel, Mexico, 24 November 1998 Pedro Martín's house, made of logs, consists of just one room, where the most conspicuous feature is the old stove. It has an earthen floor, and no water or electricity. Quite used to not having very much, Pedro Martin is still optimistic and has a small kitchen garden, which provides enough vegetables to feed the family. 735 Creel, Mexico, 24 November 1998 Like the other Indian families hereabouts, Juan Calistro and his family live in a simple wooden house with just the basics, and work a small plot of land. 736 San Ignacio, Mexico, 24 November 1998 Petronillo works in his patch of garden with tools as rudimentary as the wooden wheelbarrow, but he manages to grow enough vegetables for family consumption. 737 Creel, Mexico, 25 November 1998 "Handyman" is José's profession. Claudia is a chambermaid at the nearby hotel. They're happy with just two children, and they're hoping that their financial situation will get better in the years to come. 738 San Ignacio, Mexico, 25 November 1998 Reyes and Alicia have simple expectations: that the land they work will continue to give them what they need to raise their four children, and that the children will go to school, "to get an education and have a better life," they tell us. 739 San Ignacio, Mexico, 25 November 1998 Aurora, her daughter and her grandchildren live off farming. They grow vegetables, including potatoes and cassava, which they make into a purée using the grinder they keep set up in their open air kitchen. 740 Batopilas, Mexico, 27 November 1998 Ramón is a Revolutionary Democratic Party mayoral candidate at the next elections, and he has big plans for the region, starting with electricity. He wants to install a generator to stop relying on the river, which often runs dry and plunges the village into darkness. He's hoping that the political scene and social conditions will improve in the new millennium. 741 Batopilas, Mexico, 27 November 1998 When we gave Vicente and Cristina a ride on the mountain track leading to their village, they were coming back from town with their 'shopping' - a 100-litre metal barrel (to make two kitchen stoves once it's cut in half), tools, rope, a can of water and some sugar. They are farmers, growing maize and beans. "Cristina doesn't speak Spanish, except when she's been drinking maize beer," Vicente teases. As for having more children ... "Maize is far too expensive to have any more," he protests. 742 Batopilas, Mexico, 27 November 1998 They teach at the local school, and are the happy owners of a charming hotel, which they've been restoring for three years. "The family is what matters, it gives a meaning to life." 743 Mazatlán, Mexico, 30 November 1998 Benito was returning from fishing with the day's catch: five fish, some of which will feed the family this evening. The rest will be sold in the little grocery his wife runs beside their home. Like her father, 16-year-old Belinda loves the sea and wants to study marine biology after high school ... 744 Mazatlán, Mexico, 30 November 1998 Nine-year-old Daniel knows exactly what he's going to do later: "Breed shrimp for export." Meanwhile, he goes fishing with his father Ramos, who's a furniture dealer. "What I like best at school is the holidays," he says mischievously. Perla (18) is studying tourism and the hotel business, and Javier (16) is in preparatory class. Housewife Concepción looks after everyone. 745 Boca de Tomatlán, Mexico, 2 December 1998 Desiderio is a keen drummer. He makes his own drums and plays in a group when he has a little free time away from his restaurant. Helped by his wife, once a model, he's opened this outdoor restaurant. The success of the place has encouraged them to expand and open a new hotel and restaurant in the nearby mountains - ready for the new millennium ... 746 Puerto Ángel, Mexico, 5 December 1998 "I'd like to go the United States, work ten months, make lots of money, come back and never leave again ..." Gregorio started working when he was very young, because his mother died when he was still a child. He and Celustia love the beach, where they spend Sundays relaxing, accompanied by the inevitable radio cassette player blasting out salsa. 747 Puerto Ángel, Mexico, 5 December 1998 "There must be more cultural exchanges between countries," insists Victoriano, a fisherman by trade. He's opened a small restaurant for tourists on the beach, where his catch is transformed by Isabel into delicious meals ... They also have a garden where they lovingly grow bananas and vegetables. 749 Playa Ventanilla, Mexico, 5 December 1998 Vicente describes himself as a "crocodile conservationist." He's currently working on a municipal project to protect an endangered local crocodile. "I don't believe in the end of the world, like some people claim," he says. "2000 will be a year like all the others." 750 Pochutla, Mexico, 6 December 1998 Isaac is a sailor by profession, stationed at the Puerto Ángel naval base, where he's responsible for weapons maintenance ... and plumbing. Azucena takes care of their two children and the house. 751 Puerto Ángel, Mexico, 6 December 1998 "Our hobby is travelling and boating," which is quite natural because Patricio is in the Mexican navy. "The new millennium? We'd like to have a house and a little boy, but that'll depend on our finances." 754 San Pedro El Alto, Guatemala, 9 December 1998 Pedro came to San Pedro to "check things out." He found work as a builder before getting his family to join him. Ewira works as a chambermaid and the children go to school. Rosa Lorena (18) would like to be a secretary and study English. 756 Chichicastenango, Guatemala, 10 December 1998 Twice a week, Leticia takes an eight-hour bus ride with her children to the very popular market in Chichicastenango, where she sells her goods. 757 Chichicastenango, Guatemala, 10 December 1998 "I make clothes and shawls, which I sell here at the market," explains Manuela. "Our hobbies? My husband likes football and I like basketball, it's quite a popular sport among the young women here. Our dream is to go and work in the United States. We thank God, the Supreme King, for having given us freedom and the chance to have a family." 758 Chichicastenango, Guatemala, 10 December 1998 "Like every week, we've come to the market to sell things, but also to buy things and get news from other villages." Sebastian is a farmer and harvests apples, avocado pears and beans, which his wife sells at the market. 759 La Libertad, El Salvador, 12 December 1998 "I'm manager of the agricultural development bank. It's close to the rural world and peasants who find it difficult to deal with other banks." The family? "We're very busy: we get up at five in the morning, go jogging, play football, visit the family, and go to mass on Sunday." The new millennium? "The desire to earn money must not detract from our humanity nor from keeping watch over our children." 761 La Libertad, El Salvador, 12 December 1998 Roberto and Rosa have known each other for 22 years. They have eight children and that'll do: "There's enough poverty, it wouldn't be sensible to have any more," they say. They both run their " grocery on wheels" and are very devout: "We're all God's creatures. Believing in God is our salvation and brings us peace of mind." 763 Santa Ana, El Salvador, 13 December 1998 Julio goes regularly to the United States to buy cars, which he sells in his garage, where he's also set up a spare-parts service. He dreams of travelling and doing business with other countries. His latest idea : create the first automatic "car wash" in Salvador. His wife Sonia is a nurse, who is concerned with abandoned children and as an activist has the backing of an association. 764 Los Naranjos, El Salvador, 13 December 1998 Jorge works on a coffee plantation, while his wife takes care of their daughters, the house and the garden. "2000 is a special year with this change of centuries. We haven't experienced a change of century before - perhaps it'll be the moment to see God," Ena says, a bit worried. 765 Los Naranjos, El Salvador, 13 December 1998 Carlos has several strings to his bow: an accountant for a restaurant chain, he also works on the family coffee plantation. For him, 2000 is just another year like all the others, "but we've got to make things better all the same," he concludes. 766 Santa Ana, El Salvador, 13 December 1998 Christopher, who's 18 months old, wanted daddy's moustache, to go to the park. His parents have just one dream: to live in the United States "and have a new future." 768 Granada, Nicaragua, 16 December 1998 Gladys is in sales at a construction company and is a single mother, bringing up her five-year-old daughter on her own. She wants to get married to her new boyfriend and have a second child. 770 Granada, Nicaragua, 16 December 1998 Francisco is a topographer by training, but, unable to find any work in that field, he switched to teaching 18 years ago. His four children are studying tourism, electronics, clinical research and computer engineering. "I've always stayed at home to take care of the children, and that'll be the way it is until they marry," Carmen tells us. Carmen's hopes are bound up with the family: "We'd like to see out this century together, and we want the children to get their degrees and the younger ones to go on studying." 772 Managua, Nicaragua, 17 December 1998 They have lived in Togo, Peru and Norway, and we met them on the San Juan beach in Nicaragua ... Màximo actually works for a Norwegian development aid company, assisting small and medium-sized businesses. In 2000 they're moving to Lima, Peru ... Sonia is thrilled, because she'll be with her family again, and she'll finally be able to find work, not an easy thing to do in Nicaragua. "The family? It's a kind of school of tolerance and democracy," she says, smiling. 774 Punta Arenas, Costa Rica, 20 December 1998 "I graduated from high school when I was 14," Gina tells us proudly. Coming from a family with eight children, she was adopted by a couple of doctors when her mother died. Teacher José would like to become a tourist guide. Alexandra (14) wants to study medicine, while Jasmin, who's ten, is going to be a singer - the songs her mother writes Jasmin already sings really well ... 775 Hatillo de Aguirre, Costa Rica, 20 December 1998 Juan is a farm labourer, in charge of the livestock in a nearby hacienda. Vicenta teaches catechism at the church. They live in a small seaside village which is part of a big tourist complex project and where every square feet of land is for sale by the hopeful and optimistic owners. 776 Puntarenas, Costa Rica, 20 December 1998 "I'm a labourer on a large farm," Valentin tells us. His favorite passtime ? to dive into the nearby river. "In 2000, I'd like to go off in search of adventure and travel." 778 Playa Corona, Panama, 25 December 1998 "In 2000, we're going to visit Disneyland." Mechanic Jorge, who works for himself, and bank employee Maritza have come to spend Christmas Day on the beach with the family. 779 Panama City, Panama, 25 December 1998 "My wife cooks very well, it's our shared hobby," says Carlos, a welder by trade. Carlos and Zoleyka have high hopes for the new millennium: "We've got a baby, and we'd like to build a family home so he can have a better life." 780 Playa Corona, Panama, 26 December 1998 Bruno is the Panamanian ambassador in Chile and is spending the Christmas holidays with his wife and children in Panama to visit family and friends. "2000 is an important year in Panama's history because the United States is going to pull out and hand us back the canal," says Bruno, mindful of his country's interests. 782 El Valle, Panama, 27 December 1998 Maria is the daughter of Oderay, who's 87, mother of 14-year-old Juliana and sister of Umberto. She has been employed at the Ministry of Agriculture for 33 years. She lives in town, and often comes back to the village to spend the weekend with the family. 783 El Valle de Antón, Panama, 27 December 1998 César used to be a city dweller, but now lives in the country, where he met Fidelina "one Sunday morning coming out of church." He works in the building trade, and she's a domestic employee. Their dream is "to take our three sons to Disneyworld." 785 Panama City, Panama, 27 December 1998 Their two daughters, 23 and 21 respectively, are following in their father's footsteps and studying engineering. Mummy is a sales assistant in a fashion store. Vicente, the grandfather of Chinese extraction, came to Panama with his parents when he was a toddler. His father was one of the many Chinese to work on the canal construction. 788 Boquete, Panama, 29 December 1998 "We're evangelists, and the Bible foretells hard times in 2000. We must be ready ..." Samuel is a driver on a large coffee plantation and Mileide is a housewife. The children already have a pretty good idea about what they want to do: nine-year-old Samuel Jr. wants to be a policeman, six-year-old Leidis a doctor, and five-year-old Josue a driver like daddy. 789 Alto Lino, Panama, 29 December 1998 They met picking tomatoes. As seasonal workers, they're picking coffee and oranges right now. "The new millennium will bring a lot of scientific changes at a worldwide level, but for me that's not going to change a whole lot ...," Giovanni tells us, adding: "Love your neighbour!" 790 Alto Lino, Panama, 29 December 1998 "I was born here, but I graduated in science from high school in Panama City." When Carlos returned home with his degree, the owner of the coffee and orange plantation offered him the job of supervisor. Housewife Marixa readily helps him out when it's time to pick oranges. For them, 2000 will be above all the year of the elections: "Will politics make things better for people? We shall see." 791 San Félix, Panama, 30 December 1998 Grandmother, mother and children all live on the mountainside, with very basic creature comforts. The women make Indian dresses with the help of an old manual sewing machine. Célia, who's 24 and speaks very little Spanish, nevertheless manages to get it across that she's ready to go travelling with us, which 80-year-old Emelida didn't agree with at all … 792 Volcán, Panama, 31 December 1998 Sculptor José is known throughout Panama. He also makes promotional objects which he sculpts with incredible precision and speed. His children, who are living and studying in Panama City, came by bus to spend New Year's Eve with their father. 793 Volcán, Panama, 1 January 1999 Grandparents, parents and children all gathered for the first lunch of the new year. Grandfather supervises the labourers on a large dairy farm. Ricardo, the son, is a vet and works on several nearby farms. Carmen, his wife, works in dental medicine and hopes to open her own surgery soon, but above all, she'd like to visit her parents in Venezuela, to show them her daughter Shantal. 794 Volcán, Panama, 2 January 1999 José-Luis and Edna are the founders and curators of their very own museum: their house. It stands right in the middle of an archaeological site and is full of Pre-Colombian objects, pottery and tools found on their land. José-Luis, a former coffee-grower, explains that one of the petroglyphs shows the hiding-place of a treasure buried locally. Specialists from all over the world have studied it but it has yet to yield its secrets. Does José-Luis know where the treasure is buried? Edna replies: yes, he does indeed have a notion, but, until he has found the treasure, he would, for some reason, rather keep his notion to himself. They are full of projects for developing the site and would like to set up a Nature and History park, where visitors could learn a little about their distant origins."If we work together we shall always succeed " they conclude. 797 Bocas del Toro, Panama, 4 January 1999 "We were born here on Bocas Island. We've known each other since school, and we've been married for six years." Adrian is a teacher as well as regional educational director: "Parents should realize that their children have to grow up in harmony and love." 798 Boca del Drago, Panama, 5 January 1999 Chino can do anything and everything with his hands. Originally a fisherman, he switched to building wooden houses and bungalows, which he rents out to tourists who dare to venture this far, where the track gradually vanishes into the mud. Fatima is a teacher at the school, which is attended by native children from roundabout. "The children talk Gari-gari, a mixture of French, English and Portuguese, and it's my job to teach them Spanish" she laments, laughing. 799 Bocas del Drago, Panama, 5 January 1999 Their three children live in town, and only come here for their holidays. "They have to go away to get a good education, there's no school here," explain José and Juana regretfully.They live at the end of the island, love fishing and water-skiing, and have the only round-the-clock restaurant. 800 Bocas del Toro, Panama, 5 January 1999 Rita is employed at the Ministry of Agriculture, and deals with the rice and banana plantations on Bocas del Toro island. "Pablo is an out-of-work mechanic. He does whatever he can. He goes fishing and we eat the fish …" 801 Santiago, Chile, 14 January 1999 They met at their workplace - he an engineer, she a clerk. Three children later, they are a happy couple, and would like their children to have the same good luck in life that they have. Julio is a basketball fan, but he also likes football, and proudly sports his favourite team's shirt ... 802 Iquique, Chile, 14 January 1999 Sled dogs like ice, and Fox is no exception. Carlos, who's twelve, doesn't miss his ice cream ... The whole family likes travelling, and hope to be able to visit Europe one day. 803 Santiago, Chile, 14 January 1999 We suspect Elizabeth negotiated a discount for her four daughters' bonnets. "In 2000, perhaps we'll try to have a little boy," Hugo tells us, smiling. 805 Linares, Chile, 16 January 1999 We interrupted their breakfast at the campsite where they regularly come and spend weekends for the children's sake. Roberto works at the Ministry of Education and Teresa is a teacher, in charge of the subsidies granted to the college. 806 Chanco, Chile, 16 January 1999 Salvador is a landowner and has a pine plantation, but his life revolves around horses and chilien rodeos, today he is competing in a local rodeo and is all dressed for that purpose. His children have other ambitions: César is going to be a doctor, Salvador a forest ranger and Carolina a tennis player. 807 Curanipe, Chile, 16 January 1999 "Before we lived on the coast we lived inland, where we sold vegetables. Today my husband is a fisherman and I sell the fish." Twice a day Ramón goes out to sea. The fishing is seasonal. In summer it is mainly fish he catches, but in winter, like today, he often brings home crab. "All I ask of my children is to study," he tells us. Adriana adds: "We propose, God disposes." 813 Uyuni, Bolivia, 23 January 1999 Erculano is the best mechanic in the village, as our Land Rover shows ... He learnt his trade on the job - after 22 years as a truck driver in a mine 16,000 feet [5,000 m] up, he knows his engines inside out. Gregoria has a market stall, where she sells local clothing. The new millennium? "God will decide," she says fatalistically. 814 Uyuni, Bolivia, 23 January 1999 "We're very worried here, the climate's changed a lot and it hardly ever rains now. At school, we teach the pupils about the importance of the environment and climate," says Nilda, who teaches at the primary school. Her husband is a mechanic in the army, while nine-year-old Fernando, certain of his vocation, tells us: "My little brother and I will be doctors." 815 Tarabuco, Bolivia, 25 January 1999 For Daniel and Ceberina, the Sunday market at Tarabuco is a fixture, even though it's a four-hour trip on foot and by bus from their mountain town. At market they buy and barter for the week's food, but mainly swap news with villagers from the whole region before getting back to their fields, goats and llamas. The new millennium is the least of their worries ... 816 Tarabuco, Bolivia, 25 January 1999 Victor and Elisabeth own a truck, and go round villages buying vegetables from small farmers to sell at the Sunday market in Tarabuco. They are delighted by the thought that the whole world will be able to get to know them through their photo. 817 Tarabuco, Bolivia, 25 January 1999 The harvest from their fields provides just enough for them to eat and the odd barter at market. The shortage of rainfall in the region is posing a major problem, so Silvestre and Sabina pray to God for rain, so far without much results, their photograph was taken in the dried-up river, which flows normally right around their village. 818 Chiuanmayo, Bolivia, 25 January 1999 Freddy and Nati are respectively 36 and 26. They have five children and "possibly one or two more to come," but they don't know how old grandma is. They live off their crops, mainly potatoes, which they sell at the village market, an hour away from where they live. "May 2000 bring us lots of rain," they say, echoing the general worry of the area. 820 Lake Titicaca, Peru, 29 January 1999 Fisherman Paulo also makes miniature boats typical of the lake, and sells them in town. "They say 2000 will be the end of the world. We're Catholic, and we don't know what'll happen." Paulo and his family are clearly worried. 821 Cuzco, Peru, 3 February 1999 Marko and Martin are painters who get their inspiration from nature. They often spend long weeks in the largest wildlife and nature reserve in Peru. In their Living Amazonia association they've set up workshops where they teach children about their environment through painting and drawing. "Art helps to get all sorts of educational messages across, which is vital," they say. 822 Pisac, Peru, 3 February 1999 "I learned photography through a correspondence course, and I've taught it to all my children," explains Lucio, photographer and happy owner of the village Studio Photo, where the family helps out behind the counter. The whole family also prays to God and makes pottery. Carlos (21) shows us his paintings: "I'm studying in Cuzco. As an evangelist, I want to preach through my painting," he says. 823 Pisac, Peru, 3 February 1999 "We live two hours' walk from here and grow potatoes. We've also got a cow, two llamas and a few goats." Huarca has come with her two sons and her mother to Pisac market, hoping to earn a little money by letting tourists take snapshots of her. 828 Loja, Ecuador, 12 February 1999 Gloria has a little hand-drawn cart and sells meat in the streets. Silvio has "a small business" - the box in his hand is all he needs to shine shoes. They have a big family to feed, and their message is: "Be together and help your children." 830 Loja, Ecuador, 12 February 1999 Guilberto and Angelina live off their vegetable garden and a small plot of land, though unfortunately it's too small to produce enough to sell as well. Guess where their third child is ... 833 Loja, Ecuador, 13 February 1999 "We've been together for seven years and we're happy with our two children." Carlos works for the regional council as a "driver of all kinds of vehicle," Carmita takes care of their young children. 835 Loja, Ecuador, 13 February 1999 René is a career soldier who met Emelina when he switched garrisons. Accompanied by grandma and their two children (who may well have a baby brother or sister by 2000), they've come to spend the afternoon in the park. 836 Loja, Ecuador, 13 February 1999 Elvira looks after the home, and Juan works in a gold mine. They particularly like going to the seaside, visiting the family and walking with their children. "Live in the love of God and stay together," they advise us before we part company. 837 Loja, Ecuador, 13 February 1999 "We've been living apart for seven years. Next year Sergio will have finished his studies and we'll be together again. Then nothing will keep us apart." San Antonio football club supporter Sergio is graduating as an engineer. He'd like to work on development projects for disadvantaged regions. 839 Saraguro, Ecuador, 14 February 1999 Manuel only wears the trousers of the region's traditional costume, but Rosa and Olga, who's three, stick loyally to full local dress ... Manuel tends the livestock, which he sells at market. Rosa looks after Olga and the house, and looks forward to adding to the family. 840 Guambia, Cauca, Colombia, 17 February 1999 Helped by his whole family including his sister-in-law, Florentino works his crops of potatoes, onions and other vegetables, which he sells at market. His family has lived here for generations, and they're very proud of belonging to the Guambian community - each village has its own community and its own traditional dress colors. Before we could make their photograph, we had to be presented to the village council and make a speech about our project to the whole assemble. 841 Pitayó, Cauca, Colombia, 17 February 1999 To take this photo, we presented our scheme to the town council and explained our approach to the villagers. Abelardo and Rosa are farmers and live by selling their produce. Grandma works in the fields and looks after the children. "In my family we've lost our customs and our language, which all works against us. For us to be recognized as Indians, both languages are taught nowadays in the schools, but when I was at school, that wasn't done." Explains Maribel (21) 842 Silvia, Cauca, Colombia, 17 February 1999 "We met 15 years ago at the village ball." Dalis is a teacher and is doing correspondence courses in philosophy and history. Fredy, who is of Indian origin, grew up in a Paes community. He knows these parts like the back of his hand and has set up a tourist agency to help city-dwelling Colombians discover the region and its inhabitants. They are expecting a fourth child. Their ambition is to keep the family together, this being the basis of all society. 843 Cali, Colombia, 18 February 1999 Marta has opened a trendy café with excellent food. Franco is a fashion and advertising photographer. The three daughters in the photo (including Vanessa) are the children of Franco's first marriage. They want to spend New Year's Eve and see in the year 2000 with the family, maybe on Machu Picchu or in Manhattan. They extend an invitation to the world's families: "Come and visit Colombia, it's not at all how you imagine." 844 Cali, Colombia, 18 February 1999 Gabriel is the security guard at a quarry and its abandoned outbuildings where the owners organize rock concerts at weekends. The whole family was very pleased to pose for the photo, apart from two-year-old Beatriz-Juliana, who was very frightened by the flash going off in the dark. 845 Cali, Colombia, 18 February 1999 Gideon, who was born in Israel and works in textiles, lived in Chile before settling in Colombia, where he met Linda. Despite a lengthy training as an interior designer, Linda has abandoned her artistic side and now works as sales manager in an Italian bank. They are both movie fans, but what Gideon likes best of all is taking his children fishing. 846 Bogota, Colombia, 20 February 1999 A philosopher and environmental educator, Monica lives in the suburbs of Bogota. She writes books that teach children about Colombia's wildlife and plants. She warns: "If the world doesn't change, it'll be too late, because before long we'll have used up all our natural resources." Juan-Estebán's father is of Inca origin and lives in the jungle in the east of the country. One day Monica hopes to start a new family. She's been going around in these rubber boots since the 1970s - they've really covered a lot of ground together! 847 Bogota, Colombia, 20 February 1999 Hernando owns a medical laboratory. He has just one dream for 2000, which is to retire and live in the country. His daughter Marcela is a biologist working on a radar monitoring project in the Amazonian forest. "What I like most," she says, "is being both in the forest and with my family." 848 Tabora, Colombia, 20 February 1999 We met Eduardo at the weekly market, he looked quit happy, "today I sold 256 kilos of beans that's six months' harvest and the whole family helped." We proposed to bring him back to his house somewhere in the close mountains and he agreed easily. His big house is in middle of fields and forest; he is farming and has a few cows. He is a happy father, too - he is surrounded by six women, and that's just fine by him. 849 Tenza, Colombia, 20 February 1999 "It's simple," Saul declares, "I was with Aurora's sister, and Aurora had a boyfriend; she told me she was in love with me, so I dropped her sister and married her. Then her boyfriend married her sister ... We're all good friends today." Aurora runs a shop selling local crafts and travels round the larger towns to sell her wares. 851 Bucaramanga, Colombia, 21 February 1999 Libia had had enough: "I don't want to look after the monkey any more. We'll give it to the warden at the zoo." When her children started crying, she gave in, and the photo is a souvenir of their reconciliation ... Otoniel is an accountant. Libia and he love nature and family travels. They're hoping that there'll be more exchanges between cultures, to get to know the world better. 855 Piu-Piu, Venezuela, 26 February 1999 "2000 isn't that important. I'd just like to live in a place where there are a few more people ... There are only ten families here, and we're miles from each other," grumbles mother and housewife Yolanda. Luis is a fisherman and farmer, and he also runs a tiny shop "selling warm beer and some other vital goods." 856 Maturín, Venezuela, 26 February 1999 Luis is in computers, and Margelis takes care of the home and the two small children. They devote their weekends to family outings. And no sooner was the photo taken than they all plunged into the warm water of the Caribbean. 857 Carúpano, Venezuela, 27 February 1999 This is an important day for Elisabeth - it's the first time she's ever ridden a buffalo, even though she's lived here for 35 years. Wilfried, formerly involved with a German development organization and a man abounding in ideas, has established a school of agriculture, a botanical garden, two hotels and a water buffalo ranch. He started out with three buffaloes 23 years back, and now the ranch numbers 700 head and is featured on Venezuelan road maps. Loaded with plans and projects, Wilfried sticks by his motto: "Protect nature and create jobs." Their daughter Sabine and her husband Joël (sitting in front) work with them. The whole family feels Venezuelan through-and-through. 858 Río Caribe, Venezuela, 27 February 1999 Antonio has two hobbies: "Drinking beer with my friends and watching TV with my family." He teaches electronics in a vocational school, and 15-year-old Adolfo, who's keen to follow in his footsteps, wants to study in the United States. 859 Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, 28 February 1999 These Colombians came here six months ago "to see if they could fit in," but they'd like to go on to the United States. They're going to attempt an "adaptation test" this year. Five-year-old David is impatient to leave. "The main thing is to hand on family values," they say. 861 Kavanayen, Venezuela, 1 March 1999 "We don't know what'll happen in the new millennium. Maybe everything will go on just the same." Sanlo is a very philosophical builder, while his mother runs the Santa Teresita mission restaurant in Kavanayen. 862 Castanhal, Brazil, 6 March 1999 We came across Marcos and Dora Lisa on the Amazon, on the boat that plies between Manaus and Belém. They were moving house and had all their furniture with them. Marcos is a delivery man, but he's far happier playing football and going for family walks. Dora Lisa would really like to have another child or two. 865 Manaus, Brazil, 6 March 1999 "I've been living in Manaus for two years. I've got three daughters, and their father works in a concrete factory. We don't always live with him. In the new millennium I'd like to be happy with the children's father. We're young. I'm 25 and he's 24, and the two youngest girls are his ..." 867 Açailandia, Brazil, 7 March 1999 "I'm in charge of the National Book Fair that's held in Manaus. Today is a very happy day because my wife and children have come to see me," Manuel tells us, in seventh heaven. 872 Brasília, Brazil, 14 March 1999 Marcelo is in the army, and where they live changes with his postings. At the moment they're living in Brasilia, but they spend their holidays by the Atlantic. Michellyne teaches physical education, and four-year-old Kamille is very proud of having such attractive parents ... 873 Maceió, Brazil, 14 March 1999 He is an agronomics engineer and political adviser, and a 'footballer' too, thanks to his eleven-year-old twins, whom he has looked after since he was divorced. "Becoming more humane, that's how I see 2000. We all have a huge responsibility for the beginning of this new millennium. We must educate people so they can have a better quality of life." And before leaving to practice penalty kicks, he left us with this thought: "Development begins at home, it is fundamental to the family." 874 Marechal Deodoro, Brazil, 14 March 1999 Like his fellow countrymen, employee José likes football and the beach. He's come to spend a family Sunday with his wife and sister-in-law, who has this message for all mothers: "Look after your children and see to their education if you want them to grow up the right way." 878 Praia do Frances, Brazil, 15 March 1999 They've had enough of the city and their jobs as banker and language teacher. Twenty paces from the sea they've opened a restaurant where the whole family work, happy with the way their life has changed. 879 Bahia, Brazil, 14 April 1999 "I'm a waiter. Our dream is to have our own restaurant where we can work together and earn enough money to buy a house for our family." 882 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 21 March 1999 Eurico is a geological technician for a Brazilian oil company, and devotes his spare time to his family. "The family unit is very important," he says. "It's the core of our society and the basis of all progress." 883 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 21 March 1999 Following the example of their fellow countrymen, Flavia and Ademir come to relax on the beach whenever they can. Ademir is in sales and marketing, and has simple ambitions - to take care of his family and work to improve the quality of their lives. In the more distant future, he'd like to make Flavia's dream of visiting Italy come true - that's where her great-grandfather came from. 885 Posadas, Argentina, 26 March 1999 Ramon works as a gaucho on a ranch of almost 25,000 acres [10,000 ha]. With only two comrades, he watches over 1,600 head of cattle. Ramon dreams of having a ranch of his own some day - even if it's a very small one. Mariela will finish her philosophy studies in three years and then hope to find a position as a professor. 886 Posadas, Argentina, 26 March 1999 Ramón is a plain-clothes policeman. He devotes his free time to his children and his wife Susana. Both like riding and particularly pamper the horse in the photo. They'd really like to travel outside Argentina and see other countries and cultures, but for the time being that's just a dream. 887 Posadas, Argentina, 27 March 1999 Juan is a teacher, librarian and researcher. He knows the history of his province inside out. He has very good relationships with his four children, and they all share a love of music, books, sport and nature. They all also feel very concerned with the environment and the future of our planet: "It'll be what we make it," they all agree. "It's our individual responsibility to take care of it, just as we take care of our family and things that mean a lot to us." 888 Posadas, Argentina, 27 March 1999 Gerardo's parents and grandparents left Berlin before the Second World War. He was born in Argentina and, after living in Buenos Aires, settled in Posadas, where he's a tyre wholesaler. Cristina looks after the home - and with six children she's got her work cut out. First of all, they want to finish building their house and give their children a good education. But later on, why not visit the country their grandparents came from? 891 Posadas, Argentina, 26 March 1999 "The family is a rich blessing, and our primary duty is to watch over it." This in short is the view of both administrative director Miguel and his wife Gladys. When she's not looking after their daughters and the house, Gladys runs the little biscuit business she's set up and dreams of travelling to Spain, where Miguel's family is from. 893 San Antonio de Areco, Argentina, 2 April 1999 Fishing rods? "It's only to give the worms a chance to swim," Hector explains. They've come out for the weekend, to get away from overcrowded Buenos Aires, and spend a little time with their children. Gabriela is an actress and Hector the director of a street theatre group - right now they're doing Ionesco's Macbeth. Their message for the future is: "It's not the colour of humankind that counts, it's culture that matters." 895 San Antonio de Areco, Argentina, 2 April 1999 Poor Maria - who's been married for 50 years to Julio, once a gaucho but now an officer in the mounted police - is afraid of horses, and it took all Julio's powers of persuasion to get her to agree to pose! 900 Buenos Aires, Argentina, 3 April 1999 "I'm a poor polo player, I don't have enough money to buy myself a new helmet hat. This one comes from my grandfather," laments Guillermo, reacting to my observation that his headgear had come unstitched on one side. Despite his 'poverty', he's come with five horses to today's match! Maria was in a hurry to go and play golf, and because Guillermo didn't want to miss the start of the last part of the game, they just had time to confide: "There'll be a second child in 2000." 901 San Antonio de Areco, Argentina, 3 April 1999 They've got plans galore - to build their own home, produce a little sister for Nicolas, have their own farm and emigrate to Australia ... In the meantime, Marcelo works on a huge farm and Silvina runs the San Antonio tourist office. 902 Miami, Florida, USA, 10 April 1999 Shane works in the school administration and is in charge of an integration program for handicapped students, but his real love is music. He plays rap with a bunch of friends, and hopes that their first album will come out for the new millennium. Tammie for her part is planning a fifth child. 904 Miami, Florida, USA, 10 April 1999 "My hobby? Spending time with my family and trying to be a good father." Charlie is a truck driver and is always on the road all over Florida, a long way from his family. Elisandra is hoping that the next baby on the way will "finally be a boy" ... 905 Miami, Florida, USA 11 April 1999 "When you're born Cuban, you like cigars. My great grandfather had a shop, my grandmother rolled tobacco leaves, and the whole family is involved in the national product. I've got a shop, but my real profession is electrophysiology. I work in the operating room at the hospital, which is pretty stressful." Dalia is a nurse in another children's hospital and says, half in jest: "During my spare time, I run a taxi service for my children!" Nicolas (15) is following his father's example - he's going to be a doctor, while Natasha wants to be a teacher. 906 Miami, Florida, USA, 11 April 1999 Gérard is a priest and has just one dream - to go back to Haiti and finish building the school he started two years ago ... As every Sunday, he's come to have a picnic here with his sister, his wife and his children, now that mass is over. They both declare: "In the new millennium? We're expecting God to come back." 907 Miami, Florida, USA, 11 April 1999 "No more life in the fast lane! I'm a family man now," says former soldier Herbert. After spending ten years in Georgia, they've settled in Florida, "for Joyce's sake." They're very enthusiastic about what the new millennium holds, and are already sporting the official T-shirt: "We've got to adopt a new mentality and develop new systems for running countries, and if computers let us down, then we'll have to make do like before and work with our heads." You guessed it - Herbert is a golfing enthusiast, but he also likes football, softball and basketball, to name just a few of his sports. 908 Miami, Florida, USA, 11 April 1999 They're happy in the United States, but their dream is to see 2000 in with their families in their homeland - Haiti ... 909 Miami, Florida, USA, 11 April 1999 Simone is French, and the time for her daily glass of champagne is sacred. She is a widow and lives with her daughter and grandson: "Honesty and uprightness are the only ways of getting a family to work," she tells us between sips ... Michèle is an unmarried mother who works as a photographer's agent and stylist. She loves life and its pleasures: "The family is also the family of friends you choose, which is just as important as your blood family." 911 Miami Beach, Florida, USA, 12 April 1999 "There are four of us in our family - God and the three of us." Jamaican-born schoolteacher and divorced mother Deaneth is working on a doctorate. She helps run the guides, loves camping, plays the guitar, and is a member of the church choir. Twelve-year-old Lloyd dreams of becoming a champion basketball player, and Doriane (14) would like to visit the Paris Opera House, which she's seen photos of at school. Like her mother, she sings at church and loves "going shopping and changing hairstyles."