New Yorker (cont'd)

Thanks for the comments from the gallery. I have not lived in NYC for almost 10 years. People ask me if I miss it and I can say I really don't. I guess in the mind of the current New Yorkers, I have lost my status as a "New Yorker." I can accept that. However, I do reserve the right to question whether or not someone can call him/herself a New Yorker.

New Yorkers have an edge that is distinct. You don't realize it until it's pointed out. I remember meeting a bunch of my college roommates' friends in Connecticut one summer and after about 15 min during which I did not say much, one of them asked if I was from New York. When I asked how he knew, he said "you can tell." This happened a couple of other times at that period of time of my life--it doesn't happen anymore, so I guess I've lost "it."

Distinctive NY things (things you cannot get anywhere else)

knish w/ mustard and onions (hot dog with onions)
Gray's Papaya
South Wind rice rolls/dumplings
70 mph cab ride in mid-town traffic (better than any thrill ride at Six Flags)
getting squished into a bus or subway car
folding a slice of pizza in half to eat
jamaican beef patties