Luther College professor describes his recent trip to Brazil

yes

With the start of World Cup competition, all the eyes of the world are on Brazil.

Luther College political science professor Pedro Dos Santos spent J-term in Brazil with 16 Luther students.  They explored four diverse cities; Brasilia, Manaus, Racife and Rio de Janeiro, all World Cup competition sites.

Dos Santos recently spoke to the Decorah Lions Club and told the group what makes Brazilian politics interesting is that "There is always something going on."  That current "something" is the World Cup and the accompanying construction boom and claims of corruption.  Dos Santos said that the welcome sign upon entering Brazil could very easily read, "Welcome to Brazil, but Don't Mind the Mess."

Brazil boasts the 7th largest economy in the world, has a very interesting political system and has claimed five World Cup soccer championships.

Dos Santos and the students visited Brasilia, a planned city which was built in the center of the country where there once was nothing; the former capitol of Rio de Janeiro, which is known for its beaches, Carnival and active life style; Manaus, which is on the Amazon River and was the center of the rubber boom; and Racife, which is on the northeast coast and once was ruled by the Dutch, which gives it a much differentt vibe.