New York’s Hidden Dangers

 

When I first started coming here, back in the beginning of the 80s, I was robbed of US$100.  My fault.  I was conned into playing one of those trick card games where all the urging onlookers worked for the hustler.  A wall street guy came to my rescue by plucking me, shame faced, out of the pack and steering me away.  This is what New York was like back then; a time when every siren sound gave a little frisson of potential danger, when the homeless squatted over the hot air ventilators, where hustlers walked the pavements and many areas were no go.

Today’s New York is very quaint in comparison and quieter.  The only danger to be found is in the distasteful and sad array of those hungry to be noticed.  The elderly naked cowgirl working out of Time Square born before the invention of bikini wax, drew more looks of pity than praise.

Mr. Jules and I have always said we would take our gap year in NYC seeing it as the ultimate challenge.  I’m not so sure any more.  My sister-in-law lives here and at the age of 43 is expecting twins and intends to bring them up in Manhatten.  Today this is a real possibility.  

One thing for sure it is a place for the young.  In spite of busking, naked, elderly cowgirls and matriachs with Westies and half Chitzballs roaming the streets in upper mid-town, the average age appears to be …well young, really young.  I’m not sure I would want to grow old here but then again maybe this IS the best place in the world to grow old, surrounded by the young.  As long as you don’t go crazy in the meantime.   

Copyright Jules Ritter July 2008