I just returned from an expedition to the concrete jungles of New York and New Jersey and I must say they are terribly misrepresented by many movies and television shows. I encountered quite a number of people very helpful and polite people while traveling about the area and must say New York really is a friendly city. People aside, I enjoyed many other entertainments during my stay.

Monday, Nov 6th:
Arrived at Newerk Airport around noon and met up with some friends from my latest stay in Japan, namely Erin, Sofie, and Ashley. We ran around Rutgars University’s campus for a bit, met up with one of Ashley’s friends and then watched Borat at the theater. For dinner we hit up this Jersey-style deli called Harold’s, apparently famous for huge cheesecakes and huge sandwiches. We endulged in some of the best pastrami I’ve ever had, and I tried a knish (some sort of fried potatoe-onion thing). We had a rather amusing waiter with a heavy brooklyn accent who antagonized us most entertainingly.

Tuesday, Nov 7th:
We awoke early and enjoyed real Jersey-style Bagels. Fresh. Delicious. Then we headed up for our first day in New York. We met up with our English friend Vanessa and toured around the World Trade Center area and then headed on to Chinatown, where we had a Dim Sum lunch) and then through Little Italy. We then met up with Vanessa’s friend Injy, who lives in the area, and did some shopping, saw Union Square, Time Square, and various other centers. We eventually met up with my friend Colin, who also lives in the area, and watched Evil Dead the Musical. Absolutely fantastic. If you like B Horror movies, or musicals, or really anything that Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell have done you will enjoy this show emensely.

**Wednesday, Nov 8th:
** I took a break this day and chilled at Ashley’s parents house in New Jersey. Everyone else went to a sold out Basketball game. By the way, do NOT watch a movie called “The Watcher.” It’s terrible.

**Thursday, Nov 9th:
** We spent another day in the city. We ate lunch at The Empire State building, and then ascended it, partaking in both their virtual city tour and looking out from atop. We checked out a fantastic chocolate shop (I am at this point still running around with just girls). We then went walking and ice skating in Central Park.  We then headed back to Jersey to meet up with Ashley and go partying at Rutgars.  Rutgars won their football game and rioted.  And I do mean riot, there were torches and more police than I had ever seen after a football game.  OU loves football, but this was just craziness.

**Friday, Nov 10th:
** Friday we got up and headed back for the city.  We had intended to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis island, but there were some problems with the tickets.  Instead we went on a tour of the United Nations; this was quite a sight and I do recommend it.  After the U.N. was the Metropolitan Museum of Art, to see some excellent art displays.

**Saturday, Nov 11th:
** We finally see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis island.  I wish there had been more time for Ellis island, but I had a flight to catch.  After spending far too long in airports and trains, I arrived back in Oklahoma.  Tired.  Quite tired.