Morning. Woke up. Said goodbye to the girls. So sad. I'm alone again. That stupid fear started creeping in again. It's okay, I calmed down and went back to sleep.

Woke up. I had to decide what to do about housing in the city where I was going to work, since I hadn't found any Couchsurfers in that area yet. They aren't responding, and I haven't decided on permanent housing yet. Also, I needed to buy an American SIM card. Why do I want a physical SIM and not just a phone with an eSIM? Because I want to use mobile internet, and a basic brick phone won't handle that.

I told Greg about my problems, or rather my plans for the day. He practically took me by the hand to the store and helped me buy the SIM. I was just following him around like a puppy. No way, I'm not okay with that; I want to practice my English, not just run around with him nodding my head and occasionally inserting a few words.

While we were out getting the SIM, Greg ran into an acquaintance on the street. While they were chatting, I didn't understand a thing) To be honest, I didn't really try to follow their conversation—I just didn't care about anything.

In the evening, Gregory was planning to go to a hockey game; he loves it. He gave me a map and showed me where I could walk around near the place where he'd be at the game (and the Brooklyn Bridge is nearby, yeah)). He showed and explained everything, how to get there by subway (he was planning to bike there himself).

But as expected, I got lost anyway) I got on at the wrong station, couldn't figure out where I needed to go, it was a nightmare))) I asked a nice woman how to get there, understood everything, and even arrived without any adventures)

Got out of the subway and went to look for the bridge. Honestly, I didn't try very hard to find it) I was just walking the streets and enjoying myself. I still can't believe I'm in New York. But time was passing, and I was supposed to meet Greg soon. I got so carried away walking that I forgot about the bridge) I called Greg, explained where I was, and he said he'd be there soon) He arrived on his bike and took me to the bridge after all. It's a pity it had already gotten dark, and my camera doesn't take great photos in the dark... But whatever, I still took pictures of the views from the Brooklyn Bridge, and Gregory and I headed back.

At home, Greg started helping me find housing on Long Island; or rather, he started digging through the internet and calling people himself. Oh, these kind people in America)))

And finally, at least one response from a Couchsurfer on Long Island! A guy from the town of Stony Brook, which isn't too far from Smithtown where I'll be working, is ready to host me for the first couple of days!!)) WOOOHOOO, I have a place to stay for the first little while)))) Because in that remote area, there aren't even any hostels for the first few days, only hotels for at least $80/night. I'm not ready to shell out that kind of money for housing, although if that guy from Long Island hadn't written to me, I would have had to.

Went to bed. Tomorrow morning I have to go straight to work with my suitcase, and after work, head to the Couchsurfer's. Ugh, I hope I get to work okay, don't get lost, and don't be late. Tomorrow is going to be a tough day.