Sometimes I think Manhattan is some strange experiment – you put a million and a half people on an island measuring two and half miles by thirteen miles and you see what happens. If that’s not enough, add the visitors – another 34 million a year to the same island.
It amazes me watching this interactive dance of hordes of people, watching them cross the street. It amazes me they all get along. It amazes me they don’t just start pushing each other and fighting.
And that’s the funny thing – I’ve seen a lot of people show up to New York and start acting tough. Trying not to be outsmarted or get ripped off. Demanding their complex order at Dunkin’s Donuts. See, I don’t think that’s New York, really – cause I see it the most in Times Square next to all the hotels.
Density sparks creativity; cultural diversity adds to the feeling of being in the hub of the world. If you are going to be outsmarted, it will be here. Might as well calm down and enjoy the ride.
The Author
Clinton Mainland is a freelance writer in the process of moving to New York from Seattle. You can reach him at his email.
He wears mostly cowboy boots, which aren’t that practical, but certainly feel cool.
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