The Journey from the U.S. to Argentina

               The Journey from the U.S. to Argentina

       On Saturday, January 6th, my journey began by gathering with an accumulation of Bryant students in Hall 16 to take a bus from our campus to the Logan International Airport, where we later met more students before our flight to Houston. Before leaving campus, students helped deflate soccer balls and collect t-shirts to bring on the flight. These items will be given to Hogar El Alba, an orphanage in Argentina, on Tuesday, January 9th. During our group's time on campus, the students hyped-up one another for this trip and spent time together playing table tennis and eating pizza.

Table tennis champion, Tyler Mitchell,
putting on a show for his fans after defeating
Professor Berdiev

Students deflating soccer balls

       

   

    Upon arrival at the Logan International Airport, students joyfully went through baggage claim and airport security, excited to hop on the 4:58 PM flight to the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. After completing the security process, students had time to grab food from a selection of restaurants in the airport. Before boarding the plane, employees announced that they overbooked our flight, asking individuals to sell their tickets. At this moment, the Bryant Bulldogs stuck together and didn't give up a single ticket, showing our Bulldog pride. After our flight took off, the captain made sure to shout out the Bryant Bulldogs, unleashing roars and cheers across the plane. A loud, "Lets go!" left from the mouth of Andrew Corrado Jr. This flight would be the shorter of the two that day, preparing us for a lengthy adventure from Houston to Argentina. 

(Left to Right) Ailene Berry, Nicholas Blonder, 
Nathan Cullivan, and Andrew Corrado Jr.
getting hyped for the flight

Students Colby Sturgis and Andrew Corrado Jr. 
hugging in excitement at baggage claim

       

Ailene Berry, an intellectual, 
brushing up on a novel during the flight

      After landing in Houston, us students had some time to briefly eat before our 10:10 PM flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina. After we ate, the Bulldogs began to get excited once again, knowing that we were so close, yet so far to our arrival in Argentina. We soon boarded the flight, this time sitting next to strangers, and empty seats if we were lucky. This second flight was roughly nine hours and forty-one minutes, the longest flight I have ever been on. This being said, I spent time watching films, listening to music, and most importantly, sleeping. This flight was lengthy, however did not end up being as bad as I thought it would be. I got a lot of sleep and watched a new film that I've been wanting to see.

Andrew Corrado Jr. and Nathan Cullivan 
in the George Bush Intercontinental Airport

        After two flights and much anticipation, our SIE group finally landed in Argentina! After landing, we gathered on a bus and met our Program Coordinator, Sofia Guardone. Sofia handed out water bottles to us while teaching us about some interesting landmarks we passed on the way to the hotel. When arriving at the hotel, we met our Program Manager Juan Cruz Cortes, and discussed safety tips and other aspects of this trip, including the City Game. After this meeting, students got free time, which many spent by going to the market nearby. Student Colby Sturgis purchased a wonderful gift for his mother, while other students browsed the selection of handmade items.

Colby Sturgis taking advantage of
free water bottles on the bus

      

Bryant students at the local market

  

      After this long day of travel, it is satisfying to finally see the beautiful city of Buenos Aires and spend time with a great collection of Bryant students. We will have our Welcome Dinner tonight, which will be a great opportunity for friends to catch up and talk about their holidays. I personally want to welcome all of mis amigos to Argentina and wish for the most fun trip we can have!

Welcome!