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!

Broomball

On March 31, 2010, we got together with the Brazilian team for a friendly game of Broomball. After a couple of quick scores by the Brazilians, we found ourselves in a 2-0 hole. After they got tired of falling on the ice and we got our ice legs, we took control and responded with 5 unanswered goals to go up 5-2. When taking a break, it was decided the game was done. Not sure if it was the score or the sore butts. Maybe Erik & Meg can answer that one. We then decided to hit the ice using ice skates. For some, it was their first time and much easier to stay on the feet. Afterwards we got the chance to relax and chat with our Brazilian friends. Thanks to Extreme Ice for hosting us and providing some great snacks and drinks.

GSE Team 7680

Here we are as a group. This picture was taken at our orientation. From the left is Erik, Paul our fearless leader, Meg, Scott, Nicole, Tracy and Kamilah. (Not pictured: Debbie & Jeff).