NYC

I'm writing this post from somewhere in New Jersey I think, while riding on Bolt Bus, an awesome new service from NYC to DC. I didn't reserve my seat early enough for the $1 rate, but I did get a $10 ticket for a 4-hour ride. It's a very sleek, new, nice, nonstop bus, and it has a free internet connection! How cool is that?? I saw Juliann and Karen off to Boston at the Chinatown "Lucky Star" bus stop yesterday, and I have to say by far I think I got the better end of the deal! One might think a week in Manhattan/DC might be pretty expensive, but between being partially subsidized by the dean for it being a partial business trip, staying with friends, free conference-related dinners and lunch, and getting very savvy advice from an almost autistically intense travel expert former roommate, it's not turning out to be as bad as it could be. What a great way to re-enter the world of the living after my academic hiatus!

Manhattan is very cool. I've been to NYC a few times now, and I actually feel very comfortable in it. It's convenient, things work well, and I found lots of friendly people there. I'm sure DC will be just as cool. I'm reading about Scott McClellan's outrageous memoir "allegations" (which the rest of us know as "I knew it!"s) against George W. and the White House response just as we cross the border into DC. It'll be great! Okay, gotta turn off the 'puter and see the DC sights!