Welcome to Rio!

WE MADE IT!!! 

We arrived this morning (1/4) at the Rio de Janeiro International Airport. Aft
er almost missing our connecting flight from Miami with 10 minutes to spare, all 18 of us arrived safely and ready to take on the greatest city in the world!

After getting off our 9 hour flight we met with André our new tour guide and hopped a ride to our new home at the Atlantis Copacabana Hotel. The weather went from 10 degrees to 90 in the blink of an eye and we couldn't wait to soak up the sun! We first got acclimated with our new city and headed straight for the bank to withdraw lots of reals (brazeilian currency). Then we got some down time before our first meeting and many of us hit the beach!

Our hotel is located one block from both Ipanema and Copacabana beach a.k.a the best location in Rio. The beach on a Saturday is sight to see with a lot of people who are wearing not a lot of clothing. Vendors sold think beach blankets, umbrellas, beach chairs and various beach snacks all day long. Once the heat got to us we headed back for a much needed shower and to unpack after
all our travels.

Professor Barton called us for a meeting before dinner where we discussed our relationships with plants  and ventured outside to a local park for a few quick writing exercises. Then we flagged down a few cabs (easier said than done) and headed to a restaurant in town for a classic Brazilian buffet.

After our long day it's safe to say we're all very tired but very excited for the adventures yet to come!

-Sarah Coonin and Colleen Coz