Andy's Wall: East Coast Trip (Part 3) -- New York

Manhattan, New York: "if I can drive it there, I'll drive it anywhere!" (With apologies to Frank Sinatra.) By far the most exciting (or nerve-wracking) part of our two week East Coast trip for me was driving the streets of Manhattan. Fortunately, I've been driving the LA Airport for years and it turned out to be some very useful training. But nothing in LA quite prepares you for NYC's volume of foot-traffic, since "nobody's walking in LA."

This was our first trip to New York City and I wanted to share some first-timer's impressions:
* Running in Central Park is never lonely -- people are running all over that park! (I can't wait to run the New York Marathon!)
* New Yorkers were very helpful when we were lost on the subway system -- we just had to ask. Though I'm sure they could be out there, we did not meet the stereotypical neurotic, rude, self-obsessed New Yorker.
* You're never far from a place to eat anyplace in the city (though the Central Park food carts only serve hot dogs and ice cream).
* The view from the Empire State Building at night is spectacular, perhaps even better than the day view.
* The homeless sleep on steps of the cathedrals at night; I was pleased to see that those who are following Christ are visibly providing for "the least of these."
* Times Square is like Las Vegas with taller buildings.
* Once you figure out the difference between "uptown" and "downtown," the NYC subway is a very efficient way to get around.
* New Yorkers are not Dodger fans (just wear a Dodger t-shirt and they'll tell you).
* Everyone who's been to New York has a favorite restaurant there.
* The Lincoln tunnel is way too long to hold your breath all the way under.
* We did not see any single family dwellings in all of Manhattan.
* New York is not a cheap city to visit or to live in.

With Lady Liberty