An adventure in a new world

by Stephanie Viana (Brazil)

A leap into the unknown Argentina

I recently made my first international trip, unlike anything I imagined. I always dreamed of getting to know the world, like people, cultures and their languages, and thought I would find it all waiting for me like a party when the time comes. But it was not. It is funny to think of everything that works like this, because since we were children we have heard stories and watched on TV programs how everything is new when you leave your own country, as if it were an adventure. Well, it is true. My adventure started at the airport, when the chill in my belly for flying again took me over and I could feel myself in the clouds before I was even among them. Everything seemed beautiful, until before getting on the plane, my bag was opened by the inspectors and they said they would throw some items away, as they would not be allowed on the flight! After many tears, I accepted the facts and went back to imagining what I would find on the trip, to distract my mind, and it was just the plane taking off for me to go with that to the sky. It is so magical to be so high, so above everything and among the clouds, that they seem so soft and clean, so comfortable, so ... wonderful! I was dazzled again, as if every time I traveled by plane was the first. When we crossed the boundaries of the new country, I was awakened from one trance to enter another: I could hardly believe it was coming, that that day was no longer a dream. The sun was so hot that I could feel the heat from inside the plane, and even though I was tired from not sleeping the night before, I felt refreshed and full of energy to explore! But there was immigration. To enter the new country I needed to go through the sector and stamp my passport, and the line was huge! The wait lasted more than an hour and a half until my turn came, and I was met by a nice guy who laughed at my mix of languages when I answered his simple questions, which lasted only five minutes. With that, I had already lost half a day of only two who were scheduled for my stay there. Anyway, I was still excited, and when I left the airport, I felt myself entering through a magic door and leaving in another world. I solved all the deals I went to do and it lasted for almost the other half of the first day, and soon I was free to explore. Upon arriving at the hotel I had booked, my credit card was in trouble and I needed more time to fix it, which made me even more tired, and upon entering the room I ended up sleeping for a few hours. I woke up in the evening much more willingly, changed my clothes and went out to explore that big new world around me. Guess what I found? A big and beautiful city, full of lights and people from all types and places in the world! It was just a normal city, but there was so much difference! I had fun alone, walking around, testing the new language, the new flavors and taking thousands of photos from various angles. When I returned to the hotel, a relaxing bath in the tub made my day happier. The next day, I woke up early and went out to explore, since I was leaving right after lunch, and there was so much to know! I took more photos, met people and walked the long streets a lot. I confess that I got lost among them a few times, but I asked for information from the people who helped me with kindness. This day was shorter, but it was still wonderful, and when I arrived at the airport to return, I felt that I was passing through that door of the new world again ... This time, to leave it behind, but with a heart full of news and hope to return one day.