A New York Weekend

When I was a kid, I lived along the commuter train line into Boston, but we hardly ever went to the city.

My impression was that my parents thought the city was a scary, noisy, dirty, and dangerous place to be. Maybe they just didn't want to deal with the traffic and the parking. It's too bad we didn't take more advantage of living near a great city, though. I think we really missed out.

During all those growing up years, we never once went to New York City, even though it was only about a four hour drive or train ride away. If my parents didn't want to go to Boston, you can imagine how they felt about New York.

My senior high school class made a day trip to New York City on Halloween back in 1990. But we only saw Fifth Avenue and City of Angels on Broadway. I barely count that as a real city visit at all.

I came to New York as an adult for the first time during Christmas in 2004. Now I am completely hooked. I love New York and I am determined to introduce my children to the city too.

I think it is important to expand your children's horizons. But I think it is so hard to be anything more than a tourist most places you can travel. In New York, I have so many local friends that we can see the city from another perspective.

My son can navigate the subways. My daughter knows where everything is in Central Park. We do what the locals do, and we mix in some touristy attractions too.

My friends made a gift of the city to me and I hope I can make a gift of the city to my kids as well. At the very least, I don't want them to be afraid of cities the way I once was.

I am so thankful that we are able to do these things with our kids.