by Velma Welch
and Gustajo Herrero

On the afternoon of August 24 I left Panama by airplane along with other students from Panama. It was a new experience for me because it was the first time that I had ever left Panama or traveled by plane. In four hours time we arrived in Miami.

In Miami we were met by AFS representatives. These representatives were mostly high school students who showed us to our rooms in the airport's hotel and around the airport. There was great excitement at the airport; students from Central and South America were arriving on many different flights. Those who had arrived on the days before were leaving on buses to go to their respective states, and some were leaving by plane.

Expressways Impressive

The bus trip from Miami to Chicago, where I got off, took two days. We were traveling by Greyhound bus which went through Georgia, Tennessee, and Missouri. One thing that really impressed me was the expressways. I began to realize that the U.S. is a lot bigger than I had ever imagined.

In Chicago I was met by an AFS representative and by my host family, the Bretsnyders. I am very lucky to be placed with such a wonderful family. They are Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer Bretsnyder and their daughter Marianne.

All of this is a terrific experience for me. The trip from Panama, the time I spent in Miami, the bus trip; to Chicago, the two months I have lived with the Bretsnyders and have attended Maine West are the beginning of an unforgettable wonderful experience for me.

Gus Describes Journey

The one thing that I think would interest students of MW is my trip to the States and my feelings about it.

As you all know, hopefully, I come from Buenos Aires, Argentina. On the way to the airport my whole family attacked me with lots of advice and good wishes. I knew it was going to happen; I received the same advice 10 times in 10 minutes.

About 20 of my personal friends and most of my relatives came to say good‑bye. Finally, we started at 3:00 p.m. and not a tear appeared in our eyes; we were too excited to think of crying.

Then I turned my eyes to my new partners. I knew a few from previous parties, but there were 82 Argentinians; and, of course, we began having fun. After a couple of hours our jet landed at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where 73 enthusiastic kids joined us. My good luck came to help me, and my good friend Cupid sent a bright blond Brazilian girl to sit by me. Ole!

Arrives in New York

We got to New York at 5:30 am, and when we descended from the plane, we were kindly welcomed by the AFS staff at Kennedy Airport.

Farewells began the next day. After saying "See you next year" to everybody else, we got into the Midwest bus and started at 4:00 p.m. Our last trip began.

As we entered the Chicago Terminal at 8:00 am. the next morning, we all sang the AFS song. That was the end of our large three day trip; a new life began for us then, and we were all anxious to see what it was like as soon as possible.