Sucos, futbol, and hydroelectric power were a few of the highlights of Ester Barbuto's summer. Barbuto, a Chemical Engineering major, was the 2007 recipient of a travel grant through the Zdrojkowski Fund. The grant enabled her to spend two weeks of May in Brazil. The Zdrojkowski Fund supports students traveling abroad to work on innovative projects. Check out Barbuto's notes from her trip:

May 16, 2007
After much anticipation and travel, I finally arrived in Rio De Janiero, Brazil. This was the start of a two week program on clean power and sustainability. Traveling with a group of 20 engineering students, I look forward to interacting with them as well networking with Brazilian engineers.

The moment we left the airport I was aware of my surroundings. Brazil, as one would imagine, is beautiful with tropical forests and beautiful countryside. The drive from the airport to our hotel in Rio met all of my expectations with the exception of the presence of favelas. In a country of such great growth in technology and alternative energy, it was surprising to see the poverty that exists.

After arriving at the hotel I visited the Copacabana beach with friends. On the walk over to the beach, we passed the many vendors and bars selling "sucos" or fresh juices. My favorite suco is made of aςai, a berry with great antioxidant strength. While ordering and conversing, people were very patient and understanding of my minimal Portuguese language abilities. This is common of the Brazilian culture. People are very open and friendly, which makes a stay in a country such as this very enjoyable.

May 19, 2007
Brazilian Food! After touring Rio de Janeiro, visiting the Pão de Açúcar, or Sugarloaf Mountain, and Corcovado, the location of the famous Jesus the Redeemer statue, the group of students I was traveling with worked up quite the appetite! In Brazil there seems to be a balance of many things: the industrial cities are balanced with the beautiful forests, and the lush fruits and vegetables are balanced by the abundance of meat.

A "chuhascaria" is a traditional Brazilian steakhouse that serves in Rodizio style where until requested to stop, waiters continue to serve meats at your table. Brazil's great production of meat is definitely apparent in this style of dining. One must be extremely careful when eating chuhasca—it is definitely an art that one must master so that one does not overeat!

Contrary to my initial impression of Brazilian food, spices are not used excessively, but rather appropriately. An assumption that one may make about South American food is that the food is spicy. I found Brazilian food contrary to this with use of different spices and various roots and vegetables such as Yucca, another favorite!

May 24, 2007
Futbol! Brazilians are known for many things such as beautiful women, great fashion, carnival, and of course, soccer. Not being much of a soccer fan  I was soon converted when I attended a regional game of Forte Leza and Ponte Preto. Wearing black and white, I automatically supported Ponte Preto which translates to "Black Bridge."

I watched the game with friends while enjoying pão de quejio and drinking Guarana, a Brazilian soda. Although the weather was a bit cold, as Brazil was entering the autumn season, I managed to keep warm while cheering in the crowd. The group chanting brought about a sense of unity within the crowd and regional pride.

May 27, 2007
Foz Iguaςu/Iguaςu Falls. Located at the boarders of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, the Iguaςu Falls are not only a wonder of nature, they are a symbol of South American culture. Also located in Foz Iguaςu is the Itaipu Dam/Hyrdoelectric generation facility.

Located on the Parana River, it is shared by Brazil and Paraguay, the two countries in which the river flows. The dam is equally split for both countries as a symbol of international cooperation. Overall I feel that this was one of the main points received by such a study abroad: the use and distribution of power, renewable and sustainable, do not only concern one country but rather all, and to achieve complete success and maximum output of energy one must consider all nations involved. In being polite to the environment we are being considerate to other countries and nations. Brazilian culture and energy initiatives are great examples of these concepts. An open and friendly culture is reflected in successful business pursuits, as well as technical industries.