I grew up on Long Island, which is a suburban area and a 40-minute train ride from mid-town Manhattan. The train arrives via a subway tunnel and everytime I reached sidewalk level,(via several escalators - if they weren't broken - stairs, if they were) I was in awe of it all. The tall buildings, the smells, the hustle and bustle, the traffic and noise. It was an assault to the senses in every way, but I loved it.