Richard Ha writes:

We’re starting to ride the subway; still need to get familiar with the bus system. Once we do this, we’ll be able to get around very well.

The Bangladesh cab driver told me that the transportation system makes it possible for immigrants to avoid having to buy a car as they try to make their way in this country. He told me there is a large Bangladeshi population and they get together socially and so they have a real sense of community that makes life comfortable for them.

The real New Yorkers we met were really nice. One guy was in the Sephora store where the husbands wait–against one wall. I walked up next to him when June went in to look around and asked him if that was the spot where the husbands wait, and he talked to me for the whole time, telling me how to get tickets for plays and musicals. He told me about dropping his mother-in-law on a bus for Canada. He even introduced his wife to me. He was the real deal with a heavy Brooklyn accent.

A lady that June started talking to was the same way, open and friendly. I have no negative impressions to report about New Yorkers. When I think about it, it probably was a tourist who elbowed me.

It really is great to get a change of pace. This will allow us to get back to the farm and hit the ground running.