It took almost 32 years to get me there, but I have at long last visited New York. My mom's Christmas gift to Hermione and me was a long weekend in the city, and while I rather thought that wouldn't be long enough, I'm glad my exposure was limited this first time around. We saw the 9/11 memorial, hiked around Soho, ate dinner in Little Italy, visited the public library and Grand Central Station, walked along High Line park, and narrowly avoided spending money in Macy's---after we'd already spent too much in Times Square. But my favorite part was exploring The Cloisters.

( ...And cut for longish, medieval-fangirling rhapsodies... )

I think if I could live within close proximity to The Cloisters, I'd find New York a very pleasant place. But it's definitely too big a city for me, otherwise. And I don't think I'd ever really be happy living someplace where no one bothers with little courtesies like please and excuse me and thank you. If I'm big-city bound, I'm much better suited to Chicago. Still, I'd like to visit again someday.