Daisy, I agree—I'm amazed by people who can live in NY and handle the pace. At the same time, though, while I was in the city I was thinking how having a home base—a place that's yours filled with things that you love—would make a huge difference. IF you ever have any waking time to actually spend relaxing there, that is. 

Carmen, I have always admired both your gusto for the city and your honesty about how it wears on you, and what you miss about the good ol' Midwest. :) Your approach to life there seems very real. Also, I realized again, on this trip, how much more I enjoy NY when I get to stay in Brooklyn, and poke around your neighborhood. It feels like the perfect balance of big-city-exotic and comfortable familiarity. (So glad I got to see you twice on this trip, though!)

Cobalt-Blue, I have never wished I grew up in a big city, but growing up outside of one, like you did, would have been fun. I can just picture the class trips and first date adventures. :)

Kira, you are very welcome! I did manage to get a few things done in NY, in between subway rides, people-watching, and the search for the next bathroom. :)  I love your snowy memory with your roommates, and how you imagined all the many things happening simultaneously in one big snowy city. A beautiful look at NY.

jenx67, yes, I'm thankful for traveling mercies, too. Most of this past week, the five people in my immediate family were in four different cities (in three different states). It was fun, but also disconcerting, and it feels good to have everyone home together, again. Your comment about travel being exhausting made me think about how much I tend to romanticize my travels and explorations in my mind, especially when I'm planning and anticipating. Some day I'll figure out how to get my expectations more in line with reality.