Dear Yulia,

I thought it was interesting that you mentioned that snow was falling in Izhevsk. This is interesting because today it is snowing here too! It snowed very briefly several weeks ago, but it didn’t last very long and then the weather got warm again. But today, it has been snowing all day and really feels like winter. I actually really enjoy the snow. I walked to the library again to write to you and read, and do some work. I did not mind walking in the snow. I really like it actually.

I am very excited about the possibility of you visiting the USA. I wasn’t sure if this would be possible, but I am excited to hear that it could be a possibility. I am also glad that you found a travel agency to help you. They should be very knowledgeable about such things. I am also very happy to know that you are healthy. There is a saying in English: “A blessing in disguise”. Perhaps visiting the hospital earlier was a blessing is disguise. Although it is unfortunate that you had to go, now you already have the tests done which might be required to apply for a visa, and future travel. It is also very good timing that you got these tests right before your vacation time I think. Anyways, it is interesting how things work out for the best in cases like this :)

If you are able to visit the USA, it would be very easy for me to make arrangements since I already live here - much easier than trying to arrange things in a different country. Also, I would save money on a long flight, so I could help more with expenses. I think it might be very expensive for you to apply for a visa and fly here, but I can help you with this expense. I can also arrange for (and pay) for any hotel rooms.

Yulia, I have an idea! Unfortunately, there is not very much room for guests where I currently live, since I am sharing an apartment. Also, the town I live in is small, and I’m afraid there isn’t much to do. I was thinking that it might be better to meet and stay in a larger city. Would you like to visit Las Vegas? I think this could work very well.

Las Vegas is a major airport and a popular destination for tourists, so I think it might be easier to find good deals on flights. Also, many of the attractions in Las Vegas are re-opened. There are many good deals on hotels and attractions too, since the economy there is trying very hard to attract visitors. There are some really great places to hike and walk around Las Vegas that are less than a 3 hour drive away. One of these places is called ‘Zions National Park’. It is very beautiful (I have attached a photo). Also, we might not be able to cook at the hotels in Las Vegas, but we could maybe find an Airbnb or rental property that has a kitchen to stay at. These are just ideas, but I think Las Vegas would work very well if this is a place you are interested in visiting! If you are able to visit Las Vegas, I will cover the expense of the hotel or Airbnb. You would have your own room. Do not worry about this expense. I would be so happy to spend time with you, and there are a lot of cool things we could do together in Las Vegas! What do you think?

I am curious to hear your thoughts. You are very intelligent, and I respect your opinions. Do have any other ideas of places you would like to visit in the US? If you aren’t too interested in Las Vegas, New York City is another option. I am familiar with this city as well, and flights to New York City might be less expensive than Vegas, since it is closer. However, I think New York might have more strict COVID regulations, and many of the attractions are still closed. What are your thoughts?

I would love to sit with you, and of course I would enjoy having some wine with you! The only thing is, I am not very knowledgeable about wines, so I would rely on you to choose the wine. I know you would pick something very nice for us to drink ;) I am so excited at the possibility of meeting you in the near future. It has also been my dream to have someone to share travel with. I have been to many places on my own, but I have often thought how nice it would be to have good company, and someone to walk with, and share the experience together. If you come to visit, I think it would be so great. I so excited just thinking about it, and I look forward so much to meeting you in person someday!

Also, I think your eyes are incredibly beautiful, no matter what color they look like in the photo :) You are so gorgeous, and intelligent. I cannot believe how lucky I am to know you. You make me very happy, and I appreciate you very much.

I hope you have a great day today! My dear Yulia, I wish I could give you a hug. I am thinking about you.

Ryli