New York City

So, I have survived planes, delayed transfers, getting a taxi, and 3-4 of wandering through Manhattan on my own. However, trying to transport my obscene amount of luggage from Manhattan to Queens via subway nearly did me in. And produced several missed opportunities to pull my best "High Southern" accent and comment that "I have always relied on the kindness of strangers."

So what's the first thing to be done in New York City -- after dropping baggage off at the complimentary American Girl Place coat check, that is -- well, if you're me, it seems to be wandering about St. Patrick's -- either a church or a cathedral, and I can't seem to remember which -- taking pictures with the other tourists, and feeling guilty about infringing on someone's sacred space with a camera in hand. (I killed the flash and relied on a slower shutter speed, but still I felt bad.) Some of pictures looked like they came out decently on the LCD screen. My hands weren't as steady as they could have been due to the after effects of hauling stuff through a couple of airports. Once I get my computer connected to the 'Net, I'll share anything worthwhile.

Flying in was interesting -- the weather was clear, so I got a good view of the city. Oh my lady! It just keeps going. It's madness! Mind you, the closest I've gotten to New York before is films. I feel very provincial. It's also very green up in the north -- major change from poor drought condition Hampshire.

Taxi ride -- I thought people needed a death wish before driving in Memphis. They also have these interesting little rickshaw/bicycle powered taxi numbers. And I saw one brave person rollerskating on the streets in Manhattan.

I think I'm going to sit in Kelly's apartment and take it easy until she gets off work. Mostly because I don't know how to lock the door back after I leave, and I'm not comfortable leaving it unlocked. And partly because all the overwhelmed I didn't feel yesterday hit today.