By Madalyn Kermicle and Mason Schoolcraft

January 2, 2013

After two plane flights (totaling 11 hours in the air) we have finally arrived.  Even though this is our first day here, we have hit the ground running. A charter bus picked us up from the airport and we went straight to a Botanical Garden in Curitiba. Our bus driver and tour guide, Winderson and Nadiel, will stay with us for the entire trip. They are both friendly and full of energy. The Botanical Garden was very colorful and it was a good chance for us to stretch our legs after traveling for so long.  Nadiel compared it to a miniature NYC Central Park for Curitiba’s downtown community. After we visited the garden we checked into our hotel to rest and get ready for dinner. We went to dinner at an Italian restaurant; the food was served family style and they just kept bringing it to the table. At the restaurant, there was a live band and dancing! This restaurant can seat 5,000 guests. They allowed us to see the kitchen. Needless to say it was huge!

Since Brazil is 4 hours ahead of central time back home, we are trying to get adjusted. We have an early rise tomorrow morning – and are heading out to Paranaguá Port to experience one of South America’s largest port facilities. Off to bed we go. Goodnight!