“By comparison with other less hectic days, the city is uncomfortable and inconvenient; but New Yorkers temperamentally do not crave comfort and convenience - if they did they would live elsewhere.”
E.B. White

I've spent oodles of time in New York City for work, and, on the whole, I enjoy the city immensely. I especially enjoy the way New Yorkers love/hate their city.

I'm amused by their constant complaints about their commute, taxes, and the subway. The traffic is hideous, the crowds don't move nearly quickly enough, and don't ever ask how a New Yorker is doing while the UN is in session tying up the streets!

These specific complaints identify the speaker as a resident, which is really important in establishing a hierarchy in the tourist trap of Manhattan. If you're in the "local" crowd and are enduring the 7 train, you MUST collect credit! The rest of us add to the chaos of the city, but that doesn't give us license to add to the complaints.

No.

If you're coming to New York, don't even think of complaining about the jam on the FDR. Only the natives can whine. Your presence is optional, so suck it up.

This attitude is fine by me, and, after all of these years, I know the rules of engagement with NYC. When you visit, always find thing to love (this won't be hard). For instance...

NYC Art

Even at street level, it's world class!

Who Cares?

A dude in a top hat? A washing machine in the middle of the side walk? Pay no attention. To each his own.

Always Christmas

Sure, the city is most sparkly in December, but every night is shiny.

Sesame Street

Sunny day, sweepin' the clouds away... there are constant childhood flashbacks ... Today is brought to you by the Number 7!

Good Eats

In case you didn't notice, the Food Truck fad is late to the party. REAL street food is NYC's specialty.

Say Cheese!

NYC is arguably the most photogenic city ever. If you can't figure out how to stockpile amazing pictures in NYC, you're not trying. If ever there were an embarrassment of riches, it's in finding New York city glamor shots.

Adventure!

Nothing should surprise you in NYC. Flash floods happen and you'll miss your flight because cars don't float. Well, actually, they do, but that's a story for another blog post. Regardless.. Roll. With. It.

Fascinating Stories

I challenge you to find a more fascinating group of people than NYC cabbies. Turn off TaxiTV and have a chat (or just listen to their phone call!).

What do you love on your visits?

A NYC Love Letter