This morning I was the plenary speaker at the 5th annual research meeting of Parasitology in Belo Horizonte. Most of the meeting is in Portuguese, so I am not able to understand much. All the participants are gracious and friendly.
The meeting began with the announcer presenting the professors as soccer stars, with the excited voice of a radio broadcaster. Then there was a mini-performance of a choir singing the Brazilian anthem, Kumbaya and the Saints Come Marching In. This was followed by a short introduction by the panel of professors; then a coffee break. I was the first speaker with my presentation “Effects of climate change and deforestation on the prevalence and diversity of avian malaria”.
In the USA and Europe, we are largely rid of dangerous human parasites, but here it seems that everyone knows someone who has had parasites. I have been traveling a lot the last few years. Time to get a check up for parasites?
Yesterday, I had a chance to do some exercise at the gym in Pampulha. This is the gym of the beautiful people, with a beautiful view of the Pampulha lagoon and the famous modern church. There are so many buffed personal trainers that walk around helping people, especially the women in revealing outfits who wear a lot of makeup to the gym.
The meeting continues tomorrow, followed by a soccer party.