Like many Southerners, I had a bad impression of NYC before ever visiting there. You can thank all those NYC police shows. Although I was shocked by the homeless there, we have homeless, too. But our homeless don't risk freezing to death. I was also appalled by the filth in the city, especially in subway stations and cars. But, Remington, I was also amazed by the acts of kindness I saw, some shown to Ben and me. Most of the New Yorkers we encountered were helpful - always busy and always in a hurry, but willing to take a moment to help with directions or show us how to use the subway ticket machines, which were installed after Ben moved south. I witnessed the same kindness offered to others. It destroyed my impression that all New Yorkers are cold-hearted and uncaring.