Katherine Rueff's blog

If you could see to the left of this picture, it would be an auditorium with around 30 students, professors, and visitors for PUC-Rio Physics department, which was such a large turnout we moved to this larger room.  Today I gave a talk on my research on thick disk spiral galaxies and star formation to the Physics Department in conjunction with Rafael from CUA.  Here he is giving his talk:

We each spoke for ~ 30minutes with questions directly afterwards. Both talks went very well, and I was very happy with my talk and with the types of questions proposed from the audience provoked from the research.

Today was just a fabulous day in Rio, I loved seeing PUC, which is in the middle of a rainforest (pictures to come soon!)

Duilia, Rafael, and Enio are just the loveliest people to be working and spending time with.

Tomorrow we head to the National Observatory and do some exploring!

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(CLICK THE PIC FOR LARGER VIEW)
Today was my first day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!  Above is a picture of Rafael (Student from Catholic University in D.C.) and me on the Av. Vieira Souto enjoying coconut water, which literally is the delicious water inside these (surprisingly heavy) coconuts.

So far I’ve been very overwhelmed by not speaking the language, but Rafael and Duilia, the main organizer and professor for the workshop and my trip, have been exceptionally wonderful.  I have only been here a day and already they have helped me more than I could ever thank them for.  From Rafael helping me get from the airport to my hotel and teaching me lots of history about Brazil on the ride, to Duilia sharing tons of info on food, people, and the culture that only an insider would be able to share  They are great people to have here and get to connect and work with.

Today was particularly cold (~60 F) and rainy for winter in Rio, but we went out walking the streets, and I got acquainted with some areas and important stops.

Duilia took us to this neat restaurant for lunch, where I got to try my first coxinha:

Which is a yummy ball of shredded chicken and spices, battered and fried.  These were really tasty, as was my lunch which was a juicy chicken breast sandwich topped with Minas cheese, which I can only describe as mozzarella texture mixed with questo fresco/provolone tastes.

Tomorrow Rafael and I give our colloquium talks to the Physics department at PUC-Rio.  We’re traveling with Duilia to PUC-Rio, then meeting Enio, taking a tour of his lab, and then working on our talks until lunch…

I’m very nervous, which is why I’m heading to bed currently so I’m well rested.  But, I can’t wait to see what else awaits on this adventure!!!!

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