Day 1(+2), August 7-8: The Longest Day (50 hours)

 Polonia´s trip to Brazil has been quite an adventure. Traveling itself was an experience that we will never forget. Our trip began with a flight from Chicago to Miami. But due to bad weather conditions it was delayed. What we first believed was just a little delay turned out to be the cause of many problems. By the time we arrived in Miami our flight to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was already gone. The next flight would be in almost 24 hours. We took this news well and made the best of the day, but it was the longest day of our lives.

Tired from the trip we all wanted to sleep, but this was something almost impossible to do because we were constantly moved around. Finally after a long night in a deserted airport, we were given a little corner to call our own where we passed out. Later we found out that other groups got to stay at a 5 star hotel, and sleep in comfy beds while we experienced the pleasures of sleep on a concrete/carpet floor. But we made the best of the situation by finding plenty of ways to keep ourselves busy and entertained. By doing so not only did we make this a memorable experience but we also grew closer together as a group.

After the long 24 hours of waiting, we were finally able to take the next flight to Rio de Janeiro. When we finally landed, we were quite relieved; unfortunately there was yet another flight ahead of us.

After our final flight, we were greeted at the Brasilia airport by the Consul General from the Polish embassy in Brasilia, Piotr Pisarewicz, and his lovely wife Ewa. They provided us with a very nice and quick tour of the capitol, Brasilia, and some of its highlights such as a beautiful modern church and the embassy. They also talked to us about our stay in Brazil, explained to us some of the dangers, and gave us some tips about staying safe. After the tour they provided us with a delicious meal which was very appreciated by us, especially aftrer the long and tiring trip. With their warm hearts and hospitalitly they made us feel right at home.

However, we had to continue our trip, as a long bus ride from Brasilia to Anapolis awaited us. But after surviving our stay at MIA, this was a piece of cake. After over 50 hours of traveling we made it to our destination, were safe and serene, were finally able to take well deserved showers and recuperate from our ordeal.

Karolina Maslanka