July 23, 2010 (15:20)

I'm sitting in a Chinese bistro right now. Ordered a cheeseburger and fries. I came here to pick up my SSC at the hostel. It opens at 16:30. Didn't work today, slept until 11, even though I always get up at 7:20.

My throat hurts a little – it's strange, colds almost never 'stick' here.

I earned $278 in a week selling water.

Is selling water cool and profitable?

Next to me, on the road where I sell water, there's another guy, a Mexican, he also sells water. We compete. Whoever arrives first gets the best spot – that's important. There's also a beggar with a cardboard sign saying VERY HUNGRY. She's constantly angry at me and grumbles when I block her path while showing my water. A couple of times I almost had to fight her husband, he seems like a psycho. Oh well, life is boring without trouble, right? By the way, she makes more money than I do – Americans feel very sorry for them, but I will never beg – that's money for nothing, you have to provide some kind of value after all.

Recently we visited some Ukrainians, they are also here on Work and Travel USA. I didn't like them – everything is jokes and negativity. We grilled chicken, the guys were drinking Swedish vodka. They are staying here. They've made up their minds. Andryukha wants to stay too. Have I thought about it? Of course. But I realized that it's cool here for those who are studying, who have family here, a homeland. I have much better prospects in Russia, I have studies at a good university in a good major, an excellent family and relatives; in a word, I want to build my happiness in Russia. Although I would live in America, but with money – later))

I'll rest all day today, and tomorrow I'll be back to selling water (3 times a day for 2-3 hours).