Thank you so much for your kind words and concern. I once accepted a ride in a car from a stranger. I was only 21 but God was looking out for me that day. I shudder when thinking of that stupid move! If I had been killed my parents probably would never have known what had become of me. Stupid, stupid kid.
After so many years in NYC, I am a very alert pedestrian. As soon as that guy was at my shoulder my instinct was: DON’T GO INTO THAT BUILDING. Better to die on the sidewalk than be his victim in the privacy of the hallway or my apartment! Luckily, it all turned out OK.
I imagine that living in N.Y. would hone one’s instincts for preservation. My visits to N.Y. were back in the 80s and I was scared out of my wits. We drove down through the middle of Manhattan to get on the boat to Governor’s Island. Hubby’s band was playing at a C.G. club there. I heard that they later closed that base. N.Y. sure was awesome from the island. I have some great pictures of the WTC. I’m glad I have them now. The overwhelming size of that city was really intimidating to this ole country girl. I wondered what could ever possess a sane person to live there (no offense meant). LOL. I do love little ole WV with it’s meager 1,000,000 people. Lots of room to wander.
It’s a great place if you’re into the arts; my husband is currently off-Broadway. We have Broadway, Lincoln Center, Alvin Ally, Film Forum, MOMA, you name it, we got it. You can get Indian food or fresh bagels at 3am, etc. Greatest restaurants. I live near one of the prettiest parks in all of New York.
So that’s really why people come and live here. It can get overwhelming there’s no doubt about that. I will say that it is a city that is very suited to the young and super-ambitious.