From Honolulu to Sao Paulo (Almost There!)

Kevin Michael Agtarap
Jun 8, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Jun 30, 2025

Aloha from the road - or rather, the air. I'm currently somewhere in between time zones, countries, and states of exhaustion. This is Day 2 (or is it 3?) of my Fulbright adventure en route to Uruguay, and it's been an experience I'll never forget.

I said goodbye to Honolulu on Friday at 2pm. As the plane lifted off I felt a mix of nerves and excitement-hard to believe this opportunity I've been preparing for is finally here. From the islands to the mainland, my first layover was in Chicago O'hare. If you've ever been, you know its a maze or terminals, moving walkways, and people rushing in all directions. I stretched my legs, grabbed a snack, and mentally prepared for the long haul ahead.

Next stop: Atlanta. This is where things started to feel real. I met up with the other Fulbrighters heading to Uruguay. There's something comforting about finding your people in a busy airport. We swapped stories, shared our nerves and excitement, and compared packing fails and wins. (Pro tip: If your bag is over the 50lb. limit, tell the airline agent your traveling with gifts for all the teachers and students at your host country, and maybe-just maybe, they'll let it slide.

From Atlanta, it was a 9-hour overnight flight to Sao Paulo, Brazil. I managed to get some sleep somewhere over the Amazon, but definitely not the best sleep I usually get on long haul flights. We made it safely and stepping off the plane felt like a minor victory. After hours of sitting, I never appreciated just walking so much. Inside the terminal, we found a spot to regroup. Some of us pulled out laptops to get started on blog entries, website pages, and presentations, while others wandered off to explore the shops, grab something to eat or just get their steps in. I found a quick-serve selling Brazilian empanadas and pastels, both which I tried and they were DELICIOUS!

I can't wait to get to Uruguay. I think we're all dreaming of the same two things right now: a hot shower and a real bed. But even though through the haze and travel fatigue, there's this quiet buzz. We're here. We're doing this. And it's only just beginning.

More soon from Montevideo, Uruguay! 🌎✈️🇺🇾🇺🇸