Brazil: May 4th

May 4th, 2009, Jonny’s Daily Journal
Today we woke up around 5:30 A.M. in order to leave to go to Mongungua(sp?) at 6:30 A.M. We enjoyed a very very early breakfast that included fresh fruit, ham and cheese sandwiches, various breads, and hot dogs. After the breakfast we all headed onto the bus and got a small nap until we arrived at the water treatment plant/park in Mongungua. We were greeted by two Brazilian students who helped translate and show us around. They were extremely helpful and were excited to practice their English with us. At the water treatment plant we saw how they used the water’s height in order to pump the water through the filters as opposed to a man-made pump system. This method is much cheaper. After the water treatment plant we visited the waste water treatment plant. Here we saw how the waste water is cleaned and then sent back through the rivers. One of the techniques used to clean the waste water was through aeration. Oxygen is pumped into the “sludge” which allows bacteria to grow and break down the waste. After visiting the waste water treatment plant we traveled to a small Native Brazilian village. Here the native girls and boys performed a song and dance for us. We gave them small gifts and in exchange they painted our faces. The Native Brazilians are protected under the Brazilian government and are also given permission to stay anywhere they want. However, the Brazilian government has set up permanent residences such as this village in hopes that they will make that their permanent home.

After the village visit we went to a small, privately owned restaurant where they raise their own livestock and fish. We were given plenty of chicken (which Budny told us was squirrel), fish, beans, rice, and potatoes. After lunch we visited more tourist attractions in Mongungua such as a small wildlife preservation where we saw exotic birds, fish, turtles and even monkeys! After around 7 or so we were given free time in which we enjoyed the local restaurants.