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Rio de Janeiro <ul><ul><li>By: Nicole T. </li></ul></ul>

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We have arrived!! <ul><ul><li>As soon as I stepped off the plane, I was consumed by the atmosphere. The weather was a little chili for me but the tropical climate was so moist, it warmed me up. The trees were so big and voluptuous I felt like they were inviting me over. The high hills around the city also caught my eye. I felt rush of energy run through my body; I knew this place was going to be imprinted in my thoughts forever! </li></ul></ul>

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Let's hit the waves!! <ul><li>With the sun beating over head, I decided to hit the beach. The waves were crashing against the coastline as I rushed in for a dip. I didn't stay in the water too long because it started to become very over-crowded. Once I got out of the water I walked along the beach allowing the sand to seep between my toes. It was an amazing sight to see so many different people of different cultures all at the same place at the same time. </li></ul>

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Time to eat!! <ul><li>I definitely worked up an apatite after that long walk on the beach, so I went for a bite to eat. I found a nice little restaurant where I tried the Brazilian national dish, feijoada. It is a stew with black turtle beans, beef, pork, bacon, and sausage in a dark broth. I also decided to have some fresh-squeezed cranberry-grape juice out a coconut. I wanted to try the Brazilian national drink, caipirinha, but it is an alcoholic beverage and I am not of age yet. Maybe my next visit to Brazil I will have the opportunity to try it. I couldn't leave Rio de Janeiro without trying the national dish! </li></ul>

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Let's party until dawn!! <ul><li>My last stop in Rio de Janeiro was a celebration. I wanted to be a part of the Carnival and the Samba Parade. I also wanted to stay true to myself and check out the Scala's Gala Gay Ball. At all three Celebrations, there was music, dancing, parades, various floats and colors, masks, and costumes. I was in a world so different from mine and I was loving every second of it. Every where I turned there were people laughing and enjoying themselves. I have never been to something so joyous in my life. I never wanted it to end but I knew there was a flight that I had to be on. I learned so much while I was there. I learned of the climate and the geography; I learned of the beaches full of different cultures of people and the national food. I also learned of the celebrations, the music of the samba as well as the dance! Rio de Janeiro will remain an amazing life experience until I return again! </li></ul>