I live in Hell’s Kitchen, steps away from Times Square. I think it’s totally awesomely cool that my block includes Amy’s Bread, two bike shops a half block away on either side and a Russian dude at the hardware store who seems to love to help me solve problems. But the minute I leave my block the illusion is shattered by the churn of tourists and commercial vehicles. As much as I am able I try to be kind when asked for directions, move out of the way of photographers. I myself have found on the kindness of strangers the only way possible for me to make it on some of my travels. But “try” is the operative word here…