Day one first impressions.

Even though it's real crowded and busy in the streets, and obviously touristy in this area, there are delis, pubs, small grocery stores, drug stores and restaurants everywhere, with regular people in them. Food is actually reasonable. Big slice of pizza was $4. It is very easy to walk around and the traffic doesn't seem to slow you down much. I was surprised to see so many small kids here with their parents.
Tomorrow I plan to hit central park, the natural history museum, and the museum of modern art at a minimum. Comedy club scheduled at 8 on SoHo. We'll see.

AJ