I've Arrived!

Well, after a two day trip.. I have arrived in New York.

I began my journey around 9 AM Wednesday and said a few sad goodbyes to my family and my adorable dog. The drive was really smooth thankfully.  I got to enjoy the fall leaves in West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania the first day.  I stayed in Pennsylvania for the night and made it through New Jersey and finally to New York yesterday.

I learned some very valuable lessons on the trip here and they are: 

1. Ensure you have great brakes when driving in Maryland.. I'm not sure how it would be possible, but it seemed like I was driving downhill for about 100 miles.
2. New Jersey smells weird and the toll roads are expensive.  One toll alone was $12.50. 
3. When public workers (i.e. toll booth operators) ask you how you are doing... they get really surprised if you ask them the same.  
4. You may think your driving directions won't take you through Manhattan, but don't panic when they do.  You'll live, maybe.
5. When driving in Manhattan, BE AGGRESSIVE (B-E AGGRESSIVE).  If not, you may be run over.  
6. Always carry cash.  I've never seen so many places in my life that don't take debit cards. 
7. ALWAYS remember you get what you pay for.  When a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.  The hotel room I booked online for my first week here was a TOTAL disaster.  I have pictures (because I might have to dispute their charges to my credit card) but honestly... they might make you sick so I'm refraining from posting.
8. Get lost more often... I found some really cool places (mostly shopping) when I got lost.
9. There really are rats in the subway, big ones.  I had never seen one until last night.  

I arrived in New York yesterday after an uneventful drive.  I am proud to say that I didn't make a single wrong turn on the way here.  That part was great! I went out to get lunch after I got here and I did get a little lost then, but it was a good lost where I ended up learning the area a little better.

I met up with Kevin in the city last night and we went to see a play his friend Keith was directing.  We had so much fun and the show was really entertaining too.  It's called "Crab House: A New Musical".  It started in Australia and just opened in New York apparently.

I have failed my loyal readers and didn't take a single picture of the evening.  I promise to do better.