Arrived-Enfield

We're here! 

After 24 hours and three flights, we have arrived in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil.  We were greeted at the airport by our host, Gina, and our guide, Roberto, and we headed right out to check out the city.  Brazil is comprised of 26 states and one Federal District.  Brasilia, the capital city, is its own district, much like Washington D.C. in the United States. Brasilia is unique in that it is what they call a planned city with different sectors designated for different things (for example, the commercial sector, the hotel sector, the embassy sector, etc.)  Brasilia has received both praise and criticism for this feature.  The city is designed in four quadrants with two major roads meeting at the city center around the Square of Three Powers, as they have the same three branches of government as most modern democracies-executive, legislative and judicial.  The two main roads form the outline and from the air the city looks like an airplane or bird-seriously, Google and aerial image.  Interestingly, the city is the only city built in the 20th century that is a Unesco World Heritage site due to its architecture and futuristic monuments.

Today we just had a brief introduction to the city as we were all pretty tired from traveling.  We first visited the Catedral Metropolitana (city cathedral) and then stopped outside the legislative building-the National Congress of Brazil.

The Bell Tower-designed to represent a chalice

The roof of the priory is designed to represent the host, or bread.

Brasilia Cathedral

One of the disciples

View from inside-these angels were very impressive and weigh 6,000 kg

a closer look

The entryway is purposely dark so people can begin a meditative state before entering the cathedral

National Congress

I'm such a nerdy government teacher :)

 A few interesting facts I learned today.  A 1400 square foot, 3 bedroom apartment would cost $500,000, so living in Brasilia is not cheap!  Also, five million trees have been planted in the city of all different species so some trees are in bloom year round.

Pineapple juice blended with mint leaves

Brazil is known for amazing juices and fruit blends, and I am looking forward to trying as many as possible while I am here.  Tonight I had my first opportunity as we had pineapple-mint juice with dinner-it was delicious!

A few other cultural things I observed today about Brazilians: They are very proud of their nationality and many clothing items are made in the colors of their flag-blue, green and yellow.  They are very family oriented and tolerant of children being around.  Also, it seems Brazilians like sweets, which is fortunate for me as I have been called "Sweet tooth Schnee" at home.  I am excited to learn more cultural characteristics tomorrow!