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It all started in 2008, when I was an airline staff at an airport in Brazil and I decided I wanted to see the world! I applied for the position of air hostess at a well known international airline, I went through all interviews and yes, I was approved! I would be based in a far away country, I would be able to see the world, and be paid for that. I couldn’t wait. All changed when one month before I start my exciting new life, the world crisis came around, and all job offers were withdrawn. I was really sad about it, but still full of hope, so I decided to go for my first international trip and that’s when “A leap to the unkown” started… My first decision was to apply to an US tourist visa and place my first pin on the map, NEW YORK. And there I was, in New York, with a broken English, one cabin bag, a bit of fear but with a huge excitement to see the new and to know the amazing feeling of travel. A few months back in Brazil, I met this Australian guy who was living in NY. We kept in touch, and when I mentioned I would be in his town for holidays, he offered me to stay at his place and insisted that I would accept it. As an innocent young girl I was really happy to have a friend to share my moments with and to show me the city around. My Australian friend was very receptive, I remember we were staying somewhere in Brooklin. He took me around for sightseeing and I was really happy I was living my dream. But, as an innocent first time traveler, I believed everybody abroad would be super cool and nice to me, and I learned the opposite the hard way. Next day, standing in a famous NY street, a lady called me to “watch” some guys betting money on street, I refused, but after watching a couple of minutes I thought it was cool and I could get an extra money for my shopping, so I bet money and they ran away with it, saying that police was coming. I was really disappointed and upset. Later on that day, I met a friend I had made in the electronic store I was shopping, which he was the salesman. He took me around the city and to see Times Square at night. I was dazzled. Heading to the apartment in Brooklin I took more than I expected because of course I got lost and the Australian friend was upset (the night before he took me to a pub and tried to get a bit too close, but I cut him off), so when I realized his anger, I told him I could leave his place if he wanted to, and he agreed. I was totally fine with it, however I was totally lost. I texted on MSN the salesman friend saying I would be offline because I would need to find another place to stay, and he told me to meet him at the subway station. The issue was not to go to another place, but where to find it, as in 2008 we didn’t have internet access everywhere and all the facilities of hotels searches as we have today, so leaving that apartment, my way of booking a hotel would be walking around. I met my salesman friend who offered me a space in his house, with no second intentions at all. I was a bit hesitant, but decided to accept as It was around 10pm and I was scared of wandering around at night. Long story short, the following days were really fun as this really good hearted man showed me the city around with his friends, and he transformed my first international trip from disaster to an amazing one. We are still friends, and not long ago I visited NY with my mom and took her to meet him and his beautiful family. Because of this man, I believe in angels and I believe human beings can make a better world for each other.