Terrorism and tennis shoes

If you've been to New York City, you know that Idaho is far away - in more ways than just distance. New Yorkers are just different from us. In my experience, the stereotype IS somewhat true: They're louder, they talk faster, and unless they have some business with you they pretty much ignore you. They're a bit surprised by eye contact on the street, and a little suspicious of outright friendliness by a stranger. Maybe because there are just so many of them, they need to create their own private space by not seeing the masses around them. They can't possibly interact with everyone, so they've given up reaching out to anyone. But I saw some of that change for awhile 10 years ago, on Sept. 11.