At the beginning of March 2023, my life began to have more vivid moments. I received a bonus at work and decided to spend it on myself: I bought an LG television and a Sony PlayStation 5. For me, this was a small celebration—a new stage—because in America, it is important not only to work but also to find time for entertainment. I started spending evenings playing PlayStation, and I felt that it helped me relax and take my mind off my daily routine.
During this same period, closer to the end of March, I met an English-speaking person in one of the Russian-speaking opposition groups on Telegram. His name was Nathan, and he immediately caught my attention with his active discussions and liberal views. Our communication began with political debates but soon developed into more personal conversations. I even sent him a photo of my new television and PlayStation, although I hadn’t bought a TV stand yet, so everything was set up temporarily. Nathan jokingly wondered why I didn’t have a stand, and we talked a bit about my living arrangements.
He responded to my story with warm interest. At one point, he said, “Someday, your grandchildren will remember how their grandfather crossed the Atlantic to start a new life.” These words touched me deeply—they became a symbol of support and inspiration for me, which I really needed at the time.
Our communication quickly became regular, and each day we found more and more shared interests. One of the topics we discussed was music and movies. Once, I sent him the music video for Decl’s “Krov moya krov” (“Blood of My Blood”). He really liked it; he especially noted the atmosphere of the video and the details that might go unnoticed at first glance. “It’s cool that at one moment Decl whispers something in the ear of a Black guy,” he said with interest. He found this moment not only symbolic but also quite memorable. So we gradually shared our discoveries and impressions, making our conversations not only interesting but also very personal.
I learned that Nathan lives in Alabama, USA, and he was genuinely supportive of my plans to stay in America. In the course of our conversations, I shared that I currently live in San Jose, California, but I am originally from Moscow. He showed sincere interest in my stories and everyday life, and our communication quickly became regular, covering a wide range of topics.
We discussed everything—from scientific questions to philosophical reflections. He appreciated my thoughts and was genuinely interested in my experiences. It turned out that both of us loved listening to rap when we were kids. I told him about Decl and even sent him the music video, which he enjoyed a lot. We found a lot of common ground in our musical tastes and other areas of life. At that time, he was over forty, but that didn’t prevent us from finding shared topics and exchanging memories. In our discussions and debates, I felt how our views were intertwined. He started to see me not just as an immigrant, but as an educated, intelligent interlocutor with whom it was interesting to have a conversation.
This friendship became an important part of my adaptation to life in the USA, giving me confidence and a sense that I was on the right path. We supported each other, despite the difference in our cultural backgrounds and life experiences, and that gave me the strength to continue my efforts in my new country.
On the long weekend celebrating July 4th—Independence Day in the USA—I spontaneously decided to go to Las Vegas to finally see this legendary city, famous for its bright lights, casinos, and endless entertainment.
I rented a black Chevrolet Malibu of the current year and headed out on Highway 101 from San Jose. Then I turned onto Pacheco Pass Highway before getting on I-5 towards Los Angeles. Passing by bodies of water such as the San Luis Reservoir, I enjoyed breathtaking views. The water surface surrounded by hills gave the route a special atmosphere of tranquility, contrasting with the desert landscapes ahead. Pacheco Pass was one of the most exciting parts of my trip—a narrow road winding through a picturesque gorge filled with history. This route once served as an important trade path connecting California’s inland areas with the coast.
Locals tell many myths and legends about this place. They say that you can see ghostly caravans here at night and the spirits of the first settlers guarding the road. These stories added a sense of mystery and mystique, making my trip even more fascinating.
Los Angeles greeted me with its pleasant bustle. Upon arrival, I checked into one of the local hotels and spent the night resting after a long drive. During the day, feeling refreshed, I went to Disneyland. I spent a little time in the city, walking around the park. It was interesting to at least get a glimpse of this legendary part of American culture, even though I didn’t buy a ticket and go inside. It was already daytime, and I knew that it was better to come early in the morning to fully enjoy the park. But the atmosphere itself, the crowds of people, and the sense of celebration swept me away—it was a great start to my journey.
After Los Angeles, I continued on to Las Vegas. It was immediately clear when I crossed the border into Nevada—the desert stretched all around. The heat was palpable: the average temperature in July here reaches about 106°F (41°C). The road led through endless desert landscapes, and it was easy to see that Las Vegas is literally a city that grew up in the desert. This city had always seemed magical to me—a combination of bright lights, endless entertainment, and freedom.
After checking into the hotel, I first went to explore the ground floor, which turned out to be a real casino. I was amazed by everything I saw around me: the flashing slot machines, the poker tables, and the people completely immersed in the thrill of the game. The sounds of coins and music filled the space, creating an atmosphere of never-ending celebration. I was fascinated by the players’ boldness, their confidence and willingness to take risks, as well as by how meticulously everything was organized to give people unforgettable emotions.
After walking around the ground floor, I headed out to explore the Las Vegas Boulevard. Although the city is associated with bright casinos and entertainment, most of the famous resorts and casinos—including the Las Vegas Strip—are actually located outside the official city limits of Las Vegas, in an unincorporated area called Paradise.
One of the landmarks along my way was ‘The STRAT’ casino, known for its impressive Stratosphere Tower, which offers a breathtaking view of the entire city. ‘The STRAT’ casino is still within the city limits, and its Stratosphere Tower is not just an observation deck but a real challenge for those who crave thrills and heights. The tower stands at about 350 meters (over 1,100 feet) and is the tallest standalone observation tower in the USA. This place embodies the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of unforgettable experiences, making it one of the city’s calling cards. Extreme rides are located here, attracting adrenaline seekers from all over the world.
Crossing the border between Las Vegas and Paradise, I found myself in a world of bright lights and never-ending fun. Walking along the famous Las Vegas Strip was a special experience. It’s funny that this area is actually in the suburbs, not in Las Vegas proper, even though all these sparkling signs and casinos have long become symbols of the city.
One of the first places I came across was the ‘Circus Circus’ casino, which immediately caught my eye with its circus-themed décor. The huge tents and bright signs reminded me of a carefree childhood, and the atmosphere here was both playful and thrilling.
Next, I came to ‘The Palazzo’ casino, one of the most luxurious and elegant places on the boulevard. ‘The Palazzo’ impressed me with its architecture, which created a sense of refined luxury. This casino is also one of the largest buildings in the world, which adds to its uniqueness and grandeur. It was not only a place for gambling but also a true symbol of sophisticated taste and high style, which made it stand out among the other establishments in Las Vegas.
As I continued walking, I found myself in a world of incredible sights, as if from a movie. Towering before me was the majestic ‘Bellagio’ hotel with its famous fountain—a symbol of Las Vegas. This fountain, with its perfectly choreographed water dances and musical accompaniment, created a mesmerizing scene that lingers in your memory for a long time.
Interestingly, the ‘Bellagio’ hotel was the site of the heist in the cult movie “Ocean’s Eleven,” directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts. This fact gave my trip a special cinematic touch. It felt as if I had found myself inside a famous scene, as if I were a part of Hollywood history.
A little further on, opposite the ‘Bellagio’, a miniature Eiffel Tower soared skyward—a precise half-scale replica of the one in Paris. The tower houses a restaurant with a panoramic view of Las Vegas, and you can take an elevator to the top to enjoy a stunning view of the city. The city’s evening lights seem especially magical from the top of the tower, and the Bellagio fountains can be seen at a glance, turning the panorama into a real live postcard.
In the restaurant atop the tower, a true French atmosphere reigns—exquisite cuisine, a cozy setting, soft lighting, and romantic melodies create the illusion of dining in the very heart of Paris. This tower adds a touch of Parisian romance to the place, blending amazingly with the colorful and dynamic spirit of Las Vegas, offering everyone a chance to experience a bit of French culture amid the neon lights and sounds of the casinos.
Somewhere in the distance, in the rays of the setting sun, the ‘Trump Casino’ was visible—a luxurious establishment belonging to Donald Trump’s business empire, and one of Las Vegas’s iconic high-rise towers. This building, covered in golden glass and gleaming in the sunset, symbolized the ambition and grandeur for which Vegas is famous.
Every step along the boulevard filled me with a sense of magic, as if I were in the center of something truly unique and grand. Everything around seemed alive, pulsating, and ready to give new, unforgettable emotions.
The noisy streets were full of life—tourists, street performers, dazzling signs. The whole city felt like a celebration that never stopped, not even for a moment. I felt all that energy flow into me. It was an opportunity to escape from routine, to experience something completely different, and perhaps to learn more about myself than ever before.
The next day, I headed back along the desert roads, returning home. I wanted to visit Death Valley—one of the hottest and driest places on Earth, located in the Mojave Desert.
This unique place is known for its extreme climate and even broke the world record for the highest recorded temperature—about 57°C (135°F). The landscapes of Death Valley are breathtaking in their harsh magnificence: endless salt flats, sand dunes, and mountain ranges create a sense of truly unearthly beauty.
However, there was no more time left—the four-day weekend flew by too quickly. I still needed to make it home and get back into my usual rhythm.
After returning to San Jose, I decided to keep the rental car for a few more days. In America, a car is freedom, and I didn’t want to part right away with the ability to get around without restrictions. The car gave me a chance to visit places I wouldn’t otherwise reach, to go to the store and buy a lot at once and load it all into the trunk. By the way, I could even drive to IKEA, which is in another city altogether.
One day, while stopped at the intersection of S Almaden Blvd and San Carlos St at a traffic light, I got distracted, and then something happened that nobody wants. My foot slipped off the pedal, and I collided with the car in front. Two people got out of the car, and we exchanged phone numbers. They said they would need to find out the cost of repairs. A couple of hours later, they called and named a sum—one thousand dollars. Naturally, I was shocked. According to my research online, that kind of repair cost much less. After that, I went to the rental company, where they told me that by default, no insurance was included at all, and I realized I would have to pay out of my own pocket.
They came to my house, and I went down to meet them. The first thing I asked was what exactly the money would be spent on. One of them paused for a moment, exchanged a few words with his friend, and to my relief, they agreed to reduce the amount to five hundred dollars. I paid, and we started chatting. During the conversation, we touched on politics—a topic that is always relevant in California. They said they support the Democrats and Biden, although they are worried about his age. Then we parted ways.
For a couple more days, I drove the car, using every opportunity, and then I returned it to the rental company. There was only a barely noticeable crack on the front license plate, which the rental agent kindly decided to ignore. Thus, this story with the rental car came to an end—and left me with a new experience.
