I finally don't feel like a tourist.

Walking along Canal Street amidst the waves of tourists looking for their next knock-off purchase handbag or watch, I realized this: I finally don't feel like a tourist. I was trying to get through the crowd. They were slow, decked out in the latest "I heart NYC" t-shirts and showing off their shiny plastic looking purchases to their bffs while I was trying to get to my next destination. It's a good feeling to know that you are a part of the life of the City--not just the life that stays there for a weekend and leaves. While getting stuck in the tourist trap, I wondered what NYC would be like without all the tourists--maybe just for a couple days. There is still something very NY about having the tourists and the locals side-by-side. I get a kick out of people watching, in general. I think that's one reason I like the subways so much. But, you have to be careful that you don't look at someone too long. Some people just don't like it.
My roommate is coming tomorrow. I've had the luxury of lounging around in the heat sans clothing because I'm the only one here, but it will be nice to have another CYer to talk with. I took some pictures of my room for those of you dying to see (I still need a couple more rods 4 curtains: