I lived in New York for many years and plan on returning, because it is, to me, the most amazing city in the world. While many commonly known facts about it are true—it is in fact the city that never sleeps; the lights in Times Square are so bright it looks like noon at midnight; people talk funny—ignore the precept that New Yorkers are rude and are not nice or helpful. We love our city. And we will do anything to share that with you, so don’t be shy in asking for directions, for the best restaurant, coffee shop, bus route, museum, etc. from anyone you see. They would love to tell you. Just don’t ask for their favorite—or the nearest—chain restaurant (“is there an applebees nearby” is a question new yorkers will try hard to never hear), don’t get in the way of someone rushing, and if te person doesn’t seem to speak English, it’s not an act—they really don’t know the language as it’s a town of millions of immigrants. But remember that New York is a friendly town and if you’re willing to indulge in its culture New Yorkers are willing to indulge you in anything at all!