Image by budgetplaces.com via Flickr
Having spent less than 24 hours in Manhattan (more specifically just Southwest of Central Park), I feel qualified to make some observations about the Big Apple (wink). In no particular order
- Residents there must make tons of money because,
- they are wearing some obviously stylish get-ups
- everything costs a gazillion dollars plus tax
- Female residents must have genetically modified feet because they have to walk forever on stiletto heels
- Central Park is quite a happening place on a Saturday afternoon. One might run into sunbathers, bocci ball players, a man wheeling a bass, a minstrel show, and a napper under every tree
- Residents must not have much fear of heights as I saw individuals leaning on balcony railings some 30 floors up
- Vendors work VERY hard
- Pigeons are afraid of nothing
- The lights are well-timed so you can travel pretty quickly (on a Saturday in the Summer) up and down the Island
- It is a good place to visit, not so good to live!
Musings on Faith and Psychology 
That about sums up my experience. Look: confirmation from independent observations.
I recently read “Things that remain: A journey of remembrance and forgiveness.” by Tracy Kidder. It is a biography of a man who escaped Burundi during the civil war – about the time of Rwandan genocide – the Hutu/Tutsi thing also a problem in Burundi)
BUT…, point of this comment, he ended up in NYC with $200 and a small suitcase of belongings. During one period he was homeless and living in Central Park. The book gives a view of a different side of NYC. Rather fascinating actually, or so I thought.
Yes…..but look at all you learned….as a New York native…..I concur with your findings…:) definitely entertaining aren’t we…even the pigeons.