LOL, I am optimistic, but pragmatic. I have lived in diverse areas of the states (and make no mistake, they are very diverse in many ways) and know that there are always some (lots) of the unexpected-good and not so much.

Walking in NY near Rockefeller Center, I came across a huge cat that turned out to be a rat. Took the shine off of THAT romance:) But I still love NYC, just the real one, not the one of "Breakfast at Tiffany's". The real one is infinitely more interesting than what I ever expected.

We will be transported with our luggage to whatever hotel they choose. Once I know, I will tell you, Paula:) I need dishes. Today, the Starbucks guy was so sweet, handed me a handful of coffee packets when he heard I was going there-he had been there before for R&R while in the military, and said I needed some Starbucks to tide me over til I figured out how to get to the malls:) He knows me so well!