Introduction

Selling most of my material possessions, I leave a crumbling existence in America to live in Poland just for the experience of living there.

Winter and Personal Challenges

During the first icy-cold winter I endure my worst personal depression ever.

Summer and Bicycling Trip

The following summer there I took my first bicycling trip wearing a ridiculous full backpack. It became the inception for my touring trip in America and my "buddy bucket list" which would be a near failure.

Inspiration for Writing

The idea for writing this book came nearly at the same time as the idea for the bicycle trip. I had wanted to write about Poland, and friends would ask, "What will you tell your friends about Polish people?" I would say "You'll have to read it in my book."

Return to the United States

I return to the Midwest United States to revisit Chicago, briefly, then revisit my hometown in Southwest Michigan.

Motivation and Final Trip

I became less and less motivated to see my old friends from my "buddy bucket list", and more motivated to prepare and save money for the bicycle trip. Finally I take the damn trip, I must admit, I never really had a plan, just hopes that things would fit together.