More Notes

There are other things I've learned...

• if someone has a map in their hands, ask to help them. You meet interesting people that way.
• always offer to take a photo when you see one family member taking a shot of the rest.
  
• living and/or working in SoHo, Tribeca, the Village or pretty much anywhere in Manhattan means that the drivers in these areas feel you are fairly well off. Foolish people! Therefore, they will ignore the little while walking guy who lures you into stepping into the street. The driver will still turn at a fast speed, or run the light, not caring if he hits you.... you see, their idea is, you live/work here, you have insurance. Hell, the PETS have insurance. Lesson learned? Always walk with someone who has better i.e. more expensive clothes on than you do on the traffic side when you cross the street... with or without the light.
• ignore the traffic light. Let's be honest, the little white walking guy and the red hand of death mean nothing. If the street is clear, you walk. You walk if traffic is backed up. You walk if you think you can make it. You walk so close to the last passing car, your clothes brush their bumper. You walk in front of cars, and when they move in on your, you hit the hood yelling "HEY!" even if it's your fault. You have the zealous rage of the pedestrian.
• there are rules in New York:
  

1. kill the pedestrian

2. don't speak English or any other recognisable language, especially if you drive a cab

3. if their hand is out, put money in it. Don't ask why, it's for a tip, lord knows what
kind of tip, but, you've done something, and it must be tipped for.

• learn the musicians, and you'll know your station, even when drunk
• when a cop in the 42nd St station points out you have a dog, look surprised, and announce, "What happened to my child?".
  
• Gypsy cabs are a hoot. Be prepared for dodgy seatbelts, to bargain on the price (go way low, I've gone from the UWS to Tribeca for $23 at noon) and again, unusual languages.
• You never know who will hold your dogs when you get dog food, who will sit next to you on the train, and who you'll talk to in the street.

The End