It was a dark and stormy night (well actually it was a calm and sunny day) in late August of 2015 when a young 24 year old man named Billy stepped off a plane at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport. He was eager, optimistic, excited, a little nervous, and alone. He had left everything, family, friends, country, home, and his previous work (although that one was pretty easy) in order to start a new chapter in his life in another part of the world.

He thought he would be ready for anything and for any challenge. Over the course of the year, he learned how to handle a room-full of loud pre-teens, braved the fabled Russian winter, and even grew fond of Russian food such as (gretchka/buckwheat). It would seem like everything was going as good as he could have hoped, but for some reason, he felt as if there was something missing. That's when it hit him. He didn't really know anyone outside of work. Just like the cartoon character Крокодил Гена (Krokidil Gena) he needed friends.

Therefore, once the first year was finished and his flat lease was up, Billy decided to take action. No longer would he live alone on the outskirts of the city. He wanted to be around other people, and therefore determined that a hostel would be the best plan of action. He wouldn't have to commit for the long term or deal with landlords, nor would he spend evening after evening alone with his thoughts and coffee. There was just one dilemma: which hostel to choose? It is here he did something fairly unusual for him. He looked to the internet for advice, and after a brief search, he stumbled across a name that caught his eye: Vagabond Hostel. Being a word similar to hobo, Vagabond instantly caught his attention, and compelled him to make his first booking. The duration was to be one week.

Not long after, Billy found himself travelling to the hostel's location on Tverskaya. After entering the building, he ascended to the sixth floor, where he saw the door labelled with the hostel's name. Slowly, he turned the nob and entered. It was at that moment he realized something. This place... was... amazing! He instantly felt such a connection to the the odd, off-beat personality that resonated from both the the hostel and the people, who all seemed to be wonderful.

The deal was finally sealed when Billy arose from his slumber the following morning to find an elaborate and delicious breakfast on the common table, waiting patiently to be devoured by hungry guests (such as himself). He felt at home. He felt accepted. And most of all, he knew he would form the friendships he was looking for.

It is now ten months later. Not only was this a good decidion, but it was one of the best decisions he had made in his 26-year lifespan. And today, he will be checking back into Vagabond for one last stay before departing from Moscow. So, as a goodbye for now (for he shall return!!!), please enjoy the photo memories.