I just came back from New York.
Highlights:
1) It was good to finally see my uncle and aunt, whom I haven’t seen since I was about 5. They are very nice people. People talk about how individuals take on different roles in their life. In my case, I find myself oftentimes speaking not as myself, but as an Ivy League student. On one level, its nice to be able to just use the name of my school as a “way in.” But, on another level, it makes me wonder if there’s anything else about me that’s worthwhile or interesting. On the whole, they were concerned about their son, my cousin who I had never met until then. I don’t see why they’re concerned — he’s great, he’s smart, he’s obedient, and he seems reasonably care-free. Whereas my parents were complaining about the volume of phone calls I received, his parents are concerned at the lack thereof.
2) I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was interesting navigating the New York subway system and the Long Island Railroad system (although this is technically the second time I’ve faced them, the first time being my brief foray into New York to attend the Bronx Debate Tournament). I was somewhat sad that the Met had closed so many of its exhibits. I had REALLY wanted to see their Asian art collection and their American wing (both of which I had a glimpse of — ohh, so close and yet so far). But, even with half the exhibits closed — that museum is still too large. I could probably spend a week there and STILL not get to see everything.
3) JetBlue lost my luggage. I stayed in the airport waiting for the next flight to see if they had my luggage — nope. I called them five times yesterday, each time, the call was answered by someone incompetent and unable to help. How long should I wait before I present them with an inventory and a cost list?