Daves tips for NYC

Dave’s Top Ten Tips for living in NYC:

1. Be Ready

I am convinced that many of the homeless here stay by their own decision. They could hop a train to Savannah or Miami for the Winter! If they can hack it, so can you- but it will not be without some sacrifices. People tend to get paid more in NY, but don’t count on it, and even if you find cheap stuff, rent and everything else here is pumped up in price. Save where you can.

2. Look Both Ways

Way too many sorry souls meet their demise with an oncoming bus. I recall a near miss with a hurtling garbage truck. New Yorkers love to jay-walk and cross on red- but don’t get lackadaisical or you will pay big time.

3. Roll with the punches

New Yorkers can be sensitive or cool and intellectual, just like anywhere else I guess. But the street-wise are a little brash; they might be working class and they’re proud that they scrape by in this rat-trap. Never be offended and be ready for some jibes and jibe back- it’s the only way.

4. Late night subways

If you’re faced with taking the subway late night, first of all, once you’re on, DO NOT GO TO SLEEP or you might (like me) wake up on 240th street in the Bronx at 3 am. This, I have been told, is very dangerous. Second of all, you must make a decision- don’t count on the subway coming any time soon. Basically if you are less than 30 blocks away and you will have to make a change in train lines, just walk. You might want to walk anyway (sometimes its half an hour wait at night). If the weather’s bad then take the subway.

5. Don’t ask too many questions

Most people in NY are not from NY. While many pride themselves in how well they know the city, just as many are likely to be clueless. In order not to wear out your welcome or attain false information, try to figure as much out for yourself as you can.

6. On the cheap

$1 pizza? $3 beers? They still exist. Find stuff like this and you will live a happy (if possibly somewhat unhealthy) existence. One warning- only get a plate of Chinese food if it is more than $4 a plate.

7. Speaking of Pizza

Don’t diss NY pizza. For some reason Ny’ers cling to this food like a vine to a tree. I’m not saying it’s not good- but I think 10 years ago it was prolly cheaper and better. Don’t expect anything great outta your regular $2 slice, let alone $1 slice. Basically you pay for what you get, and stay away from the bbq-pizza unless you have an unusually strong intestinal tract. And, by the way,, learn to love plain cheese pizza.

8. East/West

As a general rule, because the subways are so disorientating,, you should constantly repeat the direction you are going in under your breath while riding. Adapt for any turns you make as you exit and climb the steps, and you will be oriented when you arrive at chosen detsination.

9. Rain

Try to carry an umbrella. If you don’t carry one, try not to pay more than a few bucks for something that is going to heave inwards with the slightest wind gust.

10. Show some appreciation

Go see someone, they might come see you. Go help someone, they might help you. Backscratching analogies abound. In a place with a gazillion people, these gestures help you and others sort out what/who is important. From my experience, it helps a lot.