5-22-10

On 5/22/10 we visited Jardim Nego, a famous Brazilian park with sculptures built into and from the land. We were honored to meet the artist.

Nova Fribugo TV Stars

The team was asked to star on a local TV station and prepare an American dish. We grilled chicken and prepared deviled eggs-basic American cuisine. Everyone wanted the recipes!!! LOL

Please contact us for autographs.

Nova Friburgo

We arrived in Nova Friburgo, a beautiful city set in the mountains. We net with our host families and set off to see the city. One place we visited was an elementary school where Rotary has projects helping the local community with there dental needs. Rotary is also trying to help with a roof and playground. This is where we can help. has a lone slide for is equipment.

Buzios and BBQ

Yesterday 5-18-10 we visited the wonderful city of Buzio. We were given a tour of the city, then had lunch witht the local Rotary group. After lunch we hit the beach, which Buzio is famous for. They have 26 beaches to choose from.

Then we went to a Brazilian BBQ at a local Rotarians house. The food, drink and conversation were plentiful and good.

The past few days

It's been a busy past few days. We visited the Univ. of Fulminense- a technical college.

Then off to A school for children, where along with the usual subjects, they teach tham how to garden and other life skills.

Cramming before the big presentation

Just a few pictures of practice before our speeches.

Sugar Loaf Day 5

Our good friends took us to Sugar Loaf today. Wow, what a view of Niteroi and Rio. Two cable car rides to get to the top. The yellow car is one of the first set of cars used. A bit smaller than the new ones and no glass in the windows. The view was awesome and it was easy to become lost gazing over the sea, mountain and beaches. We then headed to Copacabana Beach for some lunch and a stroll on the beach. After a wonderful day, we headed back to Niteroi to have dinner with our host families before heading out to experience a Brazilian club. Of course we got to see first hand the Rio traffic for over 2 hours what would normally be a half hour. All and all, a great day in Brazil. Tchau!

An amazing first week.

Our first week in Brazil has been amazing. On Wednesday we visited the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) in Niteroi. Our team had the opportunity to visit the University's medical school, education department and communication department. We talked with the Dean of the Education Department about how UFF is preparing Niteroi's next generation of educators and the challenges that are facing Brazil as it strives to provide quality education to it's citizens. Afterwards we visited a middle school that is located on the campus. This school allows the university students to take the teaching strategies they've learned in their courses and apply them consistently with "real" students.

Niteroi

We started right off on visiting Rotary projects. On Monday morning, we went to the University Hospital (HUAP). There we we saw Rotary at work. The project helps women and babies who can not produce breast milk, or can not produce enough. They treat premature babies and have women's education classes.

From there we went to a lunch time meeting with The Rotary Club Niteroi Arariboia, where we were treated in the best Rotary spirit.

Later that evening we had the pleasure of dining with yet another Rotary Club in Sao Goncalo. The clubs meetings are held at an old age home where they are trying to raise funds through the matching grants program for a therapy swimming pool for it's residents.

Arrival!!

ARRIVAL!! Alexandra, the GSE team leader for the Brazil Exchange Group, and Fany Zissu, the Brazil GSE program coordinator, met us at the airport with all kinds of treats. They had Acai (a national favorite type of juice), pao de quiejo (bread with cheese inside) and of course Brazilian cafe!! Cafe, or coffee, here is drank in tiny espresso like cups and is extremely strong! Exactly what we needed after a long flight!!

Once the caffeine kicked in we were off to the Red Bull Air Race!! However, there was nothing but rain, rain, and more rain. Due to the weather conditions the race was cancelled. However, we still had a great time walking through the city and getting our first glimpse of Rio.

...ANNNNNND WERE OFF!!

The bags have been packed, the final goodbyes said and now in just a few short hours, just 10 : ) , we'll be in the beautiful city of Rio!!! First up on the agenda the Red Bull Air Race. Want to know more? Go to redbullairrace.com to find out what we have in store.

After the air races we'll be off to Niteroi to stay with our first host family. Stay tuned for more!!

A big thanks going out to Joni and her husband for giving us such a great send off!