Day 11, August 17 (Friday): Sweeeet!!!

          It was an early and inactive morning that we woke up to. We were worn out from the traveling the day before. Somehow we pulled our acts together. As we consumed our breakfast, we vigorously with high spirits, were ready for the day ahead of us. We started the day off by connecting with our Savior, Jesus Christ, at “Catedral Metropolitana de Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro.” It was a terrific way to start of the day. We said our prayers and learned about the history. The four stained glass windows in vivid colors filter the sunlight in the Catedral. Each of the immense four windows goes up the walls to the roof, forming a cross if you look straight up. The windows differ in shape and color creating a magical atmosphere. We learned that there were four colors that represented each of the four stained glass: Green-unity, Red- Saintity, Blue- the church is universal, and Yellow- the Church is apostolic. This enormous place of 96 meters can fit 20,000 worshipers. The cathedral is only used for important and essential occasions. Therefore, there is a chapel in the back were mass is also held.
           On our way to H. Stern we ran into plenty of natural elevations, streams, tunnels, etc. We passed by many museums, parks, huge sand castles carved by man and memorials. We did not get a chance to stop by, but we got to admire their beauty from the four wheels moving and window in front of us. We spotted out many hills, churches, bays and canals. We caught a glimpse of The Gloria Church that was built in 1714 and Ipanema Beach which we learned was mostly for the sophisticated and wealthy. We set eyes on the lovely two Brother Mountains. We also learned that children’s public schools are not too valuable, but the public colleges are very effective.
           Once we arrived to our destination of H. Stern we admired the wonderful jewels and even purchased some of them. We went through a workshop that taught us how the jewelers make the beautiful jaw dropping works. The store in Ipanema is the world headquarters. Its precious stones are really something to go and check out.
           After, we arrived to the beautiful Sugar Loaf Mountain, which is also one of the main attractions of Rio de Janeiro. Our group arrived there and took the most popular way of reaching the top the cable car - a system that has been in operation since 1912 that can hold about 71 passengers. Sugar Loaf is said to be about 750m (2460ft). There were to trips, the first one was 220m (720ft) and some people decided that that was enough for them and decided to stay. The group that visited the highest point admired the view and after we all made it safely to the ground once again using a cable car. While we were there we witnessed people rock climbing, it was an amazing view, and honor to see these people so high in the air.
           The day was filled with many wonderful experiences and I am sure that the group will keep these memories in their hearts. I would like to thank all the parents, teachers, sponsors and all my friends for a wonderful and significant trip.

Malgorzata Rozko

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