Notes are something I've always wanted to do but kept putting off. Sometimes a smart thought hits me (yes, it happens!), and I think: "Must write this down immediately," but then it quickly fades, and I'm left sitting there trying to remember... It's time to put an end to that. I'll start ending it right now.

First, about what I plan to describe in these notes:

Of course, the geographical places I've visited.

Restaurants, cafes, bistros, buffets, etc., where I've been lucky enough to dine.

Cultural events (I think there will be a bit about this).

Photos of all the above.

My deepest thoughts on existence.

My recommendations. (who cares?)

Second, about why all of the above is being described:

So that on a frosty Ural morning (-30 degrees Celsius), while I'm changing the spark plugs on my ride, I can remember that things have been better.

Third, about who is writing these lines:

Andrey. 22 years old. Yekaterinburg. Status in the USA as of summer 2010: unemployed, vacationing student. Yes, I'm not working. It just so happened that the Work and Travel program was reduced to just Travel. I'm not a loafer. This is my third trip to the citadel of democracy.

I think I'll cover everything else as events unfold.