Day 11

Day 11 ( Thursday )
Today was a very busy day. First we visited an innovative cow farm that produces biofuel from the waste products produced on the farm to power the facility. By cultivating the methane produced from cow waste the facility was capable of reducing their energy costs by half. The facility also composted the remaining waste and sold it to smaller farms as fertilizer for their fields. It was interesting to see how a large scale cattle farm is run. This farm is a model example of how large scale farming production can be done efficiently, resourcefully and more eco-friendly.
After the cattle farm we went to Itaipu Dam for a tour of the facility. This modern wonder of the world was amazing to see. The size alone of the spam is such an immense engineering accomplishment. The process from start to finish of design and construction, along with the maintenance required to keep the facility functioning properly and efficiently was so interesting to see. Itaipu is the largest hydro electric energy producer in the world and second largest in size only after three gorges dam in China. Another amazing aspect of this facility is the complete cooperation that is required and maintained by the two countries that own it, Paraguay and Brazil. I was extremely impressed by their system to make everything fair and even in the production and function of the dam. It made me wonder if the U.S. would ever be able to work so seamlessly along side another country as these two do, and unfortunately I don't think it would.
After the tour of Itaipu we went back to the hotel to freshen up, since we all smelled like we visited a cattle farm, and then went out for our fair well dinner. The bus drivers taught us some Portuguese words like abacashi which is pineapple. It was fun to try and communicate with the little English they know and what little Portuguese and Spanish I know.  Over all today was another great day to add to the books.
I have learned a lot on this trip, not only about engineering and renewable energy practices in another country, but about a beautiful new culture and about myself. This is my first time abroad and my first time traveling with a group of unfamiliar faces. I've made new friends and will go home with so many amazing memories that I will always be thankful for.
Tcau!
Jessica