;)
Just On VacationOne fine summer evening not too long ago, we decided at 11pm to go to the top of the Empire State Building*. We splurged on the express tickets (highly recommended because you will be treated like a VIP with these tickets) and we also brought our camera. On the way over, we couldn't resist a stop at the flourescent lit Mister Softee truck. Its legendary service intact (insert note of sarcasm), moments later we found ourselves facing an extroverted New Yorker ... taking the pair of us in with one stealth glance (over dressed - our first night out in months, with a camera, cherry dip cones in hand). He asked if we would like him to take our photo, to capture this special moment in time. It was a great offer because we somehow never manage to get a shot of us together. After he snapped what turned out to be a horrible photo, he cheerfully handed back our camera and shouted (yes shouted ... actually shouted with excitement and happiness) WELCOME TO NEW YORK!! I couldn't believe it. Just moments ago I had been fighting this inexplicable inner battle ... whether to hand this guy our camera or not, wondering if he was going to grab it and run. And it turned out to be this poignant moment, demonstrating true sincerity and the sometimes unexpected welcoming spirit of New Yorkers.
* who knew, the Empire State Building is actually open till 2am (every day) which possibly would have been a more exciting time to recount these adventures