Shaquana Cooper
West Virginia University College of Law, 3L
Saturday May 27, 2007
Day 15 Reflection

Today was an extraordinary day. The day started with a tour to the Jesus Christ statute better known to Brazilians as Cristo Redentor. As we walked up the stairs approaching this marvelous wonder we were able to bask in Rio’s beauty. This was the first time during our whole trip that I felt blown away. It was here that I had my big “oh my gosh I cannot believe that I am in Rio” moment. The water looked so crisp and clear. It was a beautiful teal color mixture of the most perfect blend of blue and green. The sky was so bright and open and because we were so high up and so close to this marvelous statute of Christ I felt like the spirit of God, the power of God in the air. The mountain tops were even more beautiful than any postcard or my description can emulate.

Once we walked up the statute was even more breathtaking than the many pictures I saw from fellow classmates from the trip last year. This is truly one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The statute of Liberty has nothing on this architectural beauty. This Christ statue at a height of 710 meters stood with his arms wide open with Rio’s beauty surrounding him. His facial features were carved with extraordinary details showing his strong masculine bones structure mixed with a soft and loving feel. On his chest was a carved heart for all to see that his love endures forever. His hands showed the scars from when he was crucified and hung on the cross for our sins.

At the base of the Christ statute there was a small chapel where I went and said a prayer of thanksgiving. Soon after we had a brief class session where we compared and contrast the US separation of church and state to that of Brasil. Many of us noticed when we were at the court house in Vitoria there were Christians painting hanging in the court as well as a cross hanging in the middle of the wall. We discussed how Brasil became a predominately catholic country (once the Portuguese settled here the converted the native Indians into Catholicism in order to make then ‘civilized’). We also discussed that during the Pope’s most recent visit he wanted President Lula to enforce Catholicism within the school system but the President said no.

After the class session we left to go to the Santa Teresa cathedral. I must admit that I really didn’t want to go but I am glad I went. This cathedral was very unique in structural shape because it is shaped like an upside down cone with beautiful stained glass windows.

For dinner I was able to experience one of Brasil’s churrascaria restaurants and I must say I was really impressed, stuffed, satisfied, and happy. I ate more meat tonight that I have within the last three months, and I enjoyed ever minute of it. I had a little bit of everything from lamb, to pork, to beef, to goat, and chicken. I would highly recommend this experience to any and everyone.

I ended my night doing what I love and enjoy doing the most and that is SHOPPING. After dinner we went to the Copacabana Market and I had a blast. There were so many vendors selling beautiful art work, clothes, and souvenirs. Tonight was my test run to see what the different vendors were selling. I plan on coming back later during the week to do some serious shopping.