Packed a duffel bag and went city-hopping via bus along the U.S. East Coast staying with friends, odd acquaintances, a long-lost aunt and a very hip (too hip) hostel. Didn't get stranded along the highway but made some great memories along the way.

I'm a dilettante, but I kinda like it that way. I could teach you some Russian if you'd like. I also have pockets of deep knowledge in random, random subjects: wanna know way more than you ever needed about social customs and modern living in Japan? I'm your gal. Have a burning desire to discuss Marie Antoinette? Me too! I can teach you a complicated card game? I'm good for conversation, anyway.

I can bake a cake from scratch, if the moment calls for it (and even wash the dishes afterwards).

Mostly - I'm just a huge nerd. I love history and fantasy books and have a very strange passion for urban planning. I was born in Russia and then spent most of my life in Minnesota, so I'm really into the outdoors (it's how we keep warm up north). When I'm traveling, I flounce between museums and tourist traps to trying to get away from the crowd and getting lost in the city/town/village/forest. I also like wandering around neighborhoods to glance the story of the place I'm visiting.