Battle of the Wills

Sixth Avenue

"Walking in New York is a battle of the wills, a balance of aggression and kindness. I'm not saying it's always easy. The occasional 'Watch where you're going, bitch' can, I admit, put a crimp in one's day."
Sarah Vowell, The Partly Cloudy Patriot

Moral Code

St. John the Divine

"New York City is the best place there ever was for a godless person to practice her moral code. I think it has to do with the crowded sidewalks and subways. Walking to and from the hardware store requires the push and pull of selfishness and selflessness, taking turns between getting out of someone's way and them getting out of yours, waiting for a dog to move, helping a stroller up steps, protecting the eyes from runaway umbrellas."
Sarah Vowell, The Partly Cloudy Patriot

A Dump

West 25th St.

"New York is a mess! Why should it matter if I spill anything inside? The whole city is a dump!
Sarah Vowell, Take the Cannoli