​The semester is coming to an end.  Half of my stay in Boston will be over soon.  It’s time to look back and think of the experience I’ve had here.
 
I have to say that one’s life in America is an incredible memory that you will warmly think of for the rest of your life.  It is really different from any other country in the world.  Starting with the little things like Fahrenheit, gallons and miles, and ending up with bigger things, such as traditions, values, and mentality.  America is very open and friendly to anyone who is seeking something - whether it’s a better life, or simply just fun, it’s all here.  I must admit, I will never regret that I chose Boston for my graduate program.  I had a lot of fun, learned a lot of new things, and it seems like I will return home being a different person.  One who is more open, culturally friendly, and inspired by life’s diversity.
 
Boston is full of places to visit and explore.  You can hardly ever be bored here.  I think it can satisfy every taste:  for party animals, there is a big variety of bars and clubs; for lovers of culture there are museums, exhibitions, the Boston Symphony, and libraries; for architects, different buildings from different times; for food lovers, any cuisine is possible to be found.
 
When trying to find a job or internship here, Boston University offers a lot of opportunities, such as a big variety of career events, meetings, and conferences.  You can also get individual professional help regarding your CV or cover letter.  Boston University is a good school and it definitely will be an advantage on your CV, not only in the United States, but everywhere in the world.  American companies seem to be open to international students, as they offer a lot of job and internship positions, as well as training and summer programs.  So if you are interested – you are good to go.
 
Overall, I can say that I will definitely recommend Boston University to anyone who will have a chance to study here.  I promise, you will never regret it.

The exams are over, second semester is yet to come, and vacation has officially begun!
 
I’ve made a lot of plans for a quick, but big tour around the United States.  It includes New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Miami.
 
So, the first Sunday after my exam week, I’m sitting in the airport, waiting for my flight to the legendary “city that never sleeps”:  New York.  I know some people really love it, and some really hate it.  I’m excited about my feelings and emotions, but I’m sure that I will not leave New York being indifferent.  My plane lands at La Guardia International Airport, and the adventure begins!  The skyline is incredible!  As for me, New York in the sunshine looks like a holy sphere above the water:  tall buildings covered with glass catch the sun and reflect it with hundreds of different colors!  I cannot believe that once it was just an island – Manna-hata, inhabited by Native Americans, and covered with impassable forest.  If only those early inhabitants knew how it would look like in hundreds of years!  It all began when Manna-hata was bought by the Netherlands for some glass and a fake piece of jewelry.  Since then it has been ruled by the Netherlands and the British, experienced fires, wars, and epidemics of the Black Death, and now, it’s finally called the financial center of the world, or the Big Apple.  This is true:  you can love or hate New York, but it can never leave you indifferent.

My next stop was the heart of the United States – Washington D.C.  Before I planned my trip, many people told me not to waste my time on it.  So far, it’s turned out to be my absolute favorite among all other cities.  Firstly, because it is very green!  I think there is no other capitol city that is as green as Washington!  Monumental historical buildings, a large number of universities and libraries, political offices and embassies – all this made Washington so unique and different.  I was lucky enough to have a tour guide:  with her help I’ve visited the old archives (sadly, not the secret ones) of the Library of Congress and managed to listen to one of the sessions of the Congress.  My trip to Washington played a significant role in my perception of Americans as a nation:  I really respect the postulates and principles this country was built upon.  The absolute freedom of speech and opinions, equality between all the races and nationalities, dignity, and honesty.  These are rare qualities today, and I felt blessed knowing that there is a country on this planet for which all that is not just beautiful words.

​However, both in New York and Washington I was unlucky with the weather – it was rainy and windy.  So a warm Los Angeles was a heaven on earth:  warm, shiny, and huge!  I’ve never thought that this city could be so big!  However, in comparison to New York City, the skyline is not so high.  Los Angeles was very entertaining:  I visited the Walk of Fame, where I found the hand and footprints of my idol Marilyn Monroe, went to Universal Studios Theme Park and had fun at the new Harry Potter World, and of course enjoyed the famous beaches of Santa Monica.  Overall, these were very relaxing days full of fun.

​Wait… I’m sorry, that’s not true.  Nothing insulting to Los Angeles, but Las Vegas was not called a Sin City for its skyline.  So don’t even try to compare the fun you get there to any other type of fun.  Ever.  Everything that you can possibly imagine, all kinds of entertainment that your heart could desire – it all can be easily found in Las Vegas.  During the day it looks like a pretty normal rich city, but during the night it starts its real life.  All kind of parties, casinos, shows - tones of lights, colors, decorations - all that makes Vegas an unforgettable experience!  I cannot say that it was my only sleepless night during my life, but it definitely was the most memorable one.  Thankfully, I’m more than 21, so I had a chance to enjoy the roulette, different types of poker, slot machines, and go to a party of one of my most favorite DJ’s: Avicii.  He had a beach party concert out there.

​During my stay in Vegas, I also managed to visit the Grand Canyon.  At 11 am, the shuttle picked me up at my hotel and took me to a helicopter station.  From there, myself and some other people flew to the Grand Canyon.  Honestly, there is not much to say about it, because this is the kind of place that you simply have to see on your own eyes.  Hopefully my pictures will motivate you…

​The last stop on my list was Miami.  Huge and relaxing, it sounds like Latino music, smells like expensive perfume, and looks like the American Dream.  Very warm, full of sunshine and friendly people, it was the best possible destination to finish my trip!  There is nothing much to say:  after so many flights I really needed some rest, sleeping, and maybe few Miami cocktails :)

​To conclude, I have to say that America is an incredible country with lots of interesting and unique places to visit, and it’s really very different.  There is no bigger mistake for every foreigner who comes Stateside than to go to only one or two cities and think that one’s seen America.  Travel, experience, and draw your own conclusions!  Have a safe trip!