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January 27, 2019

Today we began by visiting a bridge dedicated to the former Brazilian President Juscelino Kubitschek, who is responsible for the construction of Brazília in the 1960’s. Once we had walked across the bridge we embarked the bus and drove to the Palácio da Alvorada, which is the home of the Brazilian president. We were unable to tour the building but we did get some good pictures.

Next, we saw the president’s office building which is located near the National Congress. One thing that is different from the United States is that the Brazilain president lives and works in different places. We then drove to the U.S. Embassy and got a picture out front. We were all excited to see the familiar United States flag. We then drove and saw several other embassies. At noon we attended catholic mass in English. Evan and I were asked to be lecturers and at the end Maggie shared about Alpha Zeta Partners and what we have been studying. Immediately following mass, we joined the congregation for a social and snacks. The service was in English so the people we met spoke English and a few were even from the United States. This was a fantastic opportunity for us to socialize with people living in Brasília.

When it was finally time to go we said goodbye to our new friends and headed to lunch at the mall. After lunch we visited the Torre de TV de Brasília which is a large tower on the national mall but unfortunately it was under renovation so we were not able to travel to the top. We did explore the surrounding mall and the flea market that was at the towers base.

Next we travelled to the National Cathedral. The cathedral was designed as part of the original plan for the city so it is a very non-traditional cathedral (please see attached pictures). One thing that was interesting to me was outside the cathedral were two large sculptures meant to represent the eucharist, one represents the chalice and doubled as the bell tower and the other represents the host.

After exploring the National Cathedral we visited another church nearby called Santuário Dom Bosco. This church was basically a large blue stained glass cube. It was very pretty. After we had gotten our fill of this church we went back to the hotel and ate dinner at a restaurant around the corner.

The National Cathedral in Brazil.

The Euchrist

Chalice

Adventuring

A Catholic Church we visited.

-Todd Peterson

January 26, 2019

This morning we had a change of plans! Originally, we had intended to go to the zoo but when we heard there was a tour of the capital in English we decided we should head there first.

When we arrived we were shocked to see the lack of security into the building as there was only one single metal detector. This is obviously much different than in the United States. The National Congress building had several pieces of art, and the architecture was interesting to see. Our tour guide was able to describe the relevance of each one. We were able to see a gift that Bill Clinton gave Brazil during his presidency which was a famous glass plate from the White House.

After the tour there we had an early lunch at the mall. In the afternoon it began to rain, but we trekked to the zoo anyway! I was expecting there to be lots of exhibits but the zoo is actually rather small. To my surprise the exhibits were very far apart and not overly secure. I suppose the Brazilians must not worry about it as much as we do! It was nothing like the Columbus Zoo so many of us are familiar with. Even with all of the differences, it was really cool to see some of the of the native species of Brazil. This included capybara, the largest rodent in the world, the maned wolf, and many colorful birds. After the zoo we were able to go back to the hotel and get some much needed rest. Some of us chose to relax poolside. We are most definitely taking advantage of the warm Brazilian weather.

For dinner we went down the street to a nice steak house. For an appetizer we had this delicious fried cheese which came with a fantastic sauce! The steak was quite different than what we are used to in America. This is mostly due to the breed and feed common to Brazil. The meat was much tougher and more lean than at home. After dinner Leticia took us to see some live music and socialize with the locals!

We signed in at the National Congress!

Our guided tour in English!

The Brazilian version of the House Chamber!

Don’t feed the animals!

-Milan Pozderac

January 25, 2019

This morning we woke up and traveled right down the road to Caramuru. This is a processing plant for corn, soybeans, and sunflowers. We were introduced to the company and their brand, Sinha. They explained what the company focuses on in terms of production and goals.

We were then given a tour of the factory. We were shown how the soy oil is made starting with the lab and then the bottling procedure. To make plastic bottles it begins with a small vile and hot air is pushed into the bottle and it expands quickly to make the finished product that we are all know. We then walked to the portion that fills the bottles, places the labels, groups the bottles, and finally boxes the finished product. It was neat to see how quickly the oil could be made. It was also cool to the technology behind the making of products. We then saw how their cuscus is packaged. The Caramuru plant was so large we had to travel by bus to each of the buildings. We were able to see where they make their own energy by burning eucalyptus and using other bi-products from their company.

Once we had finished our tour we sat and had coffee with two individuals who work with the company. We discussed Brazilian agriculture versus agriculture in the United States. We also had a conversation about the perception of GMO’s in Brazil, United States, and Japan. It was interesting to see the perspective from a Brazilian food manufacturer.

We then had lunch at their facility and were able to see more of the company. They have a resting room, a room to watch T.V., and a game room (cards, ping pong, etc.). These are for their long lunch times they have in Brazil!

Afterward we traveled down the road to a Pioneer seed processing facility. Here we were given an overview on seed corn production. Then we walked through the plant and saw the whole process from the husking of corn to the packaging of the seed corn. We were able to hear from the manager and Johnny shared a little about how this plant compares to the one in Iowa. We thanked them for their time and then continued our journey to Brasilia.

For dinner we stopped at a gas station. It was a typical Brazilian gas station, but it had a surprise for us. Besides the strategically placed crocodile lawn decorations, there were waterfalls in the bathrooms! After the exciting stop, we then finished the trek to our hotel in Brasilia and called it a night.

Thank you Caramuru for the tour!

McKenzie and I showing the oil bottles before and after forming.

Thank you Pioneer for the tour!

Using our Portuguese skills to order dinner.

-Meredith and Phil

January 24, 2019

We woke up at 3 a.m. today to get on the bus and drive 5 hours to Uberaba, Minas Geras. In Uberaba, we visited ABCZ which is the Zebu breed association headquarters and fairgrounds. There are 8 Zebu breeds of cattle used in Brazil. Zebu beef originated in India. ABCZ maintains the pedigree of all these breeds as well as holding many events to distribute knowledge and promote the breeds. The largest event is the annual ExpoZebu which attracts 500,000 people from over 38 countries to the ABCZ fairgrounds. At this event, numerous livestock exhibitions, auctions, and breed meetings take place.

Following our tour of the fairgrounds we listened to a presentation on the value of Zebu breeds to Brazil. Zebu breeds represent 80% of Brazilian cattle. After we left ABCZ we ate a quick lunch at a gas station on our way Alta Genetics.

At Alta we were shown a variety of their bulls and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each bull. The most familiar was the Brangus bull which is a Angus and Brahman cross. They also showed us the process of extracting the semen from a bull and how it is processed before it is ultimately shipped to the farmer.

From Alta Genetics we drove another 5 hours to Itumbiara, Goiás. During our drive we saw sugar cane, corn, soybeans, and Zebu cattle! We had dinner at a Brazilian restaurant along the river. We also took a walk to see the river and the area. We then returned to the hotel to catch up on some sleep.

Thank you ABCZ for the tour!

ABCZ!

We were able to see the different types of bulls.

Thank you to everyone at Alta for the tour!

-Todd Peterson

During January 18-21 each of us spent the weekend with a different host families. The host families live in Piracicaba and each of us had different experiences depending on family size, career, and lifestyle. As the daily blog only features what that individual was doing, we wanted to share our favorite memories from the weekend to showcase our homestay experience as a whole! 

My favorite part of my time with my host family was spending Saturday having a traditional Brazilian Barbecue! Many friends, family, and other host families joined us to share food, drinks, and sun! A much needed day of relaxation!

Our families would get together for BBQ’s!

-McKenzie Davis

My favorite memory from the weekend was the Brazilian BBQ on Saturday, getting to spend the whole day talking, eating, and hanging out by the pool! Practicing my Portuguese was also fun!

Samba school!

– Shem Pond

My favorite memory from my host stay was definitely meeting all my host family’s friends! Getting to spend the evening with them, helping them prepare and cook AMAZING hamburgers, and just getting a deeper feel into Brazilian culture, it was awesome! Oh and they had two huge dogs that I played with all night, I’m planning on bringing them home to Ohio, even if they say no.

Doggos!

The best weekend!

– Evan Callicoat

Spending a weekend with a two-year-old brother, an eight-year-old brother, and a fifteen-year-old sister was awesome! I had so much fun watching Disney movies, eating ice cream, and singing baby shark. I loved spending time with my host families friends and families and learning what life in Brazil looks like. I am so grateful for the kind hearts and love of my host family. I truly felt as though I was part of the family and I can’t wait to see them again soon!

Loved having siblings for the weekend!

-Meredith Oglesby

Being able to share my love for zoo animals with my host family was a highlight from my weekend. It was interesting to be able to compare a Brazilian zoo with those in Ohio. I had a wonderful weekend getting to know my host family and being able to share my interests with them. Additionally singing and dancing at the BBQ was so much fun!

Minha familia!

-Laina Green

While with my host family for the weekend I was able to visit a public market! It was so fun to explore and see all the products. With my love and experience at the North Market it was fun to compare the two markets. I also loved having sisters for the weekend!

Sista sista

This country is beautiful!

I had fun learning more about the history of Piracicaba!

-Maggie Hovermale

My favorite part of my homestay experience was the BBQ. I got to spend the day at the pool, cooking delicious food with my homestay family and their friends. It was a fantastic experience that reminded me a lot of home. I can’t wait to put on a Brazilian style BBQ for my family!

We spent the day at a Brazilian BBQ!

-Johnny Cottingim

My favorite memory from the homestay was visiting my host mothers’ parents’ house getting to see rural life in Brazil. I was also able to talk with her step dad who is a small sugar cane farmer. I shared with him what life was like on my farm where we raise corn and soybeans.

My host family!

-Todd Peterson

I really enjoyed the barbeque I went to on Saturday night! It was great to compare celebrations in Brazil to ones in the United States. The barbeque lasted all afternoon, and they never stopped making food. The host families were so heir kind and even shared some of their samba dancing with us.

Thankful for the weekend with my host family!

-Milan Pozderac

A huge thank you to each of our host families for making us feel at home for the weekend. We are so grateful for our experiences and we won’t soon forget the memories we made this past weekend! Muito obrigado!

-AZP Class 20

January 23, 2019

Boa Tarde!

Today was our final day of classes at ESALQ. In the morning we worked closely with Dr. Shirota to pin down questions to ask the other professors during our panel. The group worked diligently to come up with a stimulating list of questions for our panel, and to review material for the exam that followed the panel.

The panel of professors had great insight on all of our questions. There was hearty debate about how to properly protect the rainforest while also continuing to develop Brazil. Professors Pedro and Caron helped to clarify some of the intricacies of Brazilian culture, and to explain how they came about. All the professors left us with one piece of advice they thought we should take back with us to the United States. Professor Fernando’s advice hit home the most for me, he asked that we remember that we are not just Americans, but global citizens as well. He posed the question “should we strive to be the best in the world, or the best for the world?”

After we presented plaques of appreciation to our dedicated professors we proceeded to take the exam. Each professor gave us one extended response question concerning their area of expertise. The questions were very thought provoking, and required a good deal of thought.

To unwind after our exam many of us took to the pool at Antonio’s. The water was warm, and many jealous snapchats were received from back home. Dinner was filled with laughter as we enjoyed KFC at the local mall. To wrap up our days we all prepared for our long trip, we leave at 4 o’clock tomorrow! The group is very excited to get to see new areas of Brazil, and sad at the same time to leave the wonderful city of Piracicaba.

Thank you to all the professors who dedicated their time and knowledge!

– Johnny Cottingim

January 22, 2019

Today we had our final day of class here in Brazil! Today Professor Shirota talked to us about the final 5 fundamental principles of economics.

1. Trade offs
2. Incentives
3. Trade
4. Distribution
5. Information

We discussed how trade benefits both the buyer and the seller and the the type of concepts that can make these benefits sway to one side or the other. We also learned how information is fundamental in the allocation of resources, and misinformation can often make markets and economies very fragile. Another principle of economics we talked about was distribution. It was interesting to see how much power the consumer has over the market, as well as how the distribution of an economy can affect a nation if it is unbalanced. Brazil is currently having an issue called a “brain drain”, where because of the uneven distribution, the opportunities Brazilians want are not available, and many of their brightest minds are leaving to find work and opportunity other places in the world. An example being many leave Brazil to study in the United States.

Our usual coffee breaks were nice throughout the day, giving us a chance to conversate and enjoy the much stronger Brazilian coffee!

As our last class at ESALQ comes to a close, we are grateful to all of our professors and for all of the amazing knowledge they have shown us about the culture, economy, and history of Brazil! O-H!

Enjoying our final day of classes!

-Evan Callicoat

January 21, 2019

Sadly, today was the last day with our host families. Because we all had different experiences, I will report on my day specifically. I woke up at 7 a.m. to get ready for the day and had breakfast with my family at 7:30 am. It consisted of drinkable yogurt, milk, orange juice, coffee, fresh fruit (papaya and mango), toast with cream cheese, and ham and cheese paninis. Breakfast was a time for my family to all sit down, spend quality time with each other, and prepare for the day. During breakfast, my host mother talked about her company which I was visiting today.

At 8:15 a.m., another host family picked me up to go to their work. Evan, Meredith, Milan, and I all had a host family member working at ArcelorMittal. This company is the world’s leading steel and mining company, which is in more than 60 countries. Our tour of the company included an overview presentation of the company and its products, a walking tour of the processing facilities (which was extremely hot, but fascinating), and lunch in the company’s food court. An interesting fact was that what the facility in Brazil produces in a year, China produces in 15 days. However, Brazil’s process ensures high quality steel.

After the tour, my host mother picked Evan, Milan, and I up from work and dropped us off at the hotel (“home”).

After everyone returned from their homestays, we all had a meeting with Dr. King in the hotel lobby. However, this meeting was actually a surprise birthday celebration for me! Shirota (our navigator for Brazil) and Cristina (our Portuguese instructor) were there with a birthday cake! Something unique about a Brazilian birthday is the cutting of the cake. Instead of making a wish before blowing out the candles, the wish is made when cutting the first piece of cake. Also, the cake is cut from down up, symbolizing that I am always moving up. Then another special tradition in Brazil is that I give the first piece of cake to an important person in my life. I chose Cristina. (:

And if you were wondering, having a birthday in Brazil was amazing! 10/10 would recommend!

Milan, Meredith, Evan, and I at Archer Mittal!

So thankful to have spent my 21st birthday in Brazil!

-Philip

January 20, 2019

Today was an amazing day spent with my host family. Since we’ve been in class for most of this trip so far, we’ve been waking up at around 6:45 each morning to make it to class by 8 a.m. Today, my host family and I slept in till about 10:30 a.m. It’s the little things, and man do I really enjoy sleeping in, even if it’s only for a day. Brazilian breakfast consists of toast and fruits, with warm milk and coffee. Warm milk is something that I’m not used to but was actually pretty good.

We then loaded up and traveled to the water museum here in Piracicaba. It was full of historic water treatment systems and also included aquariums full of native fish species found in the Piracicaba river. We then had lunch at a local restaurant, which was incredible, and then headed home to relax and nap for the rest of the afternoon.

The extended family visited that night and we had a cookout and enjoyed beef and grilled cheese. It was a wonderful day spent building relationships and exploring Piracicaba that I won’t soon forget!

I had fun learning more about the history of Piracicaba!

Sista sista

-Maggie Hovermale

January 19, 2019

Today was the first full day with my host family. My host family slept in until 10, and I greatly appreciated the extra sleep. For breakfast I had a whole spread with scrambled eggs, bacon, breads, and sweets. A few things that were different from the United States was that the milk was served hot, they would have cake for breakfast, and the coffee is much stronger than it is in the U.S.

We left the house after breakfast to see the water museum and the Piracicaba River. The name “Piracicaba” means “where the fish stops”, so I knew the river was important to the development of the town. They used to have a working hydropower plant there, but it has since stopped working. From there we went across the river to an old factory on the other side, where they sold knickknacks and other souvenirs. On the way back to the car I tried coconut water and sugar cane juice. I thought the sugar cane juice was very good, because it was mixed with pinapple and lemon juice! 

From there we went back to the host family’s house before going to a barbeque in the afternoon. When we arrived, I found out that it was Phil’s host family’s house. The house was very nice, and on the roof was a pool, deck, and barbeque pit. We sat and talked, relaxed by the pool, and learned a new card game named trucco. It was hard to understand at first, but by the end of the evening I got used to it and became mediocrely competitive. Many of the women there loved to dance, so we listened to samba music and we learned how to samba a bit, though I was not very good at all. The party was very long, and I was there from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Though, even with the length of the party the food never stopped coming! They made food all day and everyone was so kind to make sure I always had my fill.

When it finally got dark they had a surprise for Phil! It was his birthday, so they made him a birthday cake and sang to him! The song was different than our happy birthday, and they had a tradition where the person gives the first piece of cake to someone special. At the end of the night I was so tired from the day that when we got back to their house I went to bed soon after. 

Phil celebrating his birthday with his host family!

-Milan Pozderac