My first trip to NYC was last August.  Before my trip to the Big City, I had a few preconceived stereotypes about what it would be like.  I know that stereotypes are not a good thing to have, but the media and the internet throw so much information our way these days, it’s hard not to have some prejudices going into it.  So, being the bigger person, I would like to share some of those thoughts prior to visiting NYC.

1. The city would be dirty.  I figured that everywhere I went, I would see garbage lining the streets, much like Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras.
2. People in NYC are unfirendly.
3. Watch your wallet…you WILL get mugged, it’s only a matter of time.
4. New Yorker’s speak a different language.  While we both speak english, mine has a southern draw and their’s is straight out of the mob movies, therefor, no communication.
5. Everybody is in a hurry!  Either get moving or get out of the way.

What I found when I got there:

1. New York City, for the most part and espcially compared to other cities that I had visited, was pretty clean.  Definitly nothing like Bourbon Street, not only at Mardi Gras, but any other time of the year.
2. Everyone I have dealt with (with the exception of cab drivers) has treated me with warmth and friendliness.  This was a big surprise to me.  I even had several people offer to help me find the correct subway that I was searching for.  I guess I looked really lost.
3. I haven’t had to watch my wallet as close as I thought and I have made it out of the city with it every time so far.  May just be a matter of time with this one though, I will keep you posted.
4. Some New Yorker’s do speak a different language.  Most however do not, and I think they have more trouble understanding me then I have understanding them.  The communication lines are open.
5. I have found that everyone does seem to be in a hurry, unless they are siteseeing…this one may be true.

All in all, I found New York to be a wonderful city.  Did I leave any good ones out???