Last time I was in New York was solely for the purpose of seeing David Bowie on Broadway in Elephant Man.
What a magic mega-vortex of involving humanity this city then seemed: simply breathe. and re-become.
New York City is underwhelming this time around.  haha.  
I'm staying less than a mile from Xanga, Hdqtrs. (I'm up to no good - but that's another story. )
There was a time, once upon a time, that a trip to X-HQ for me would have been like a Muslim's sacred trip to Mecca.
But nothing here now seems sacred. 
I think all the sacredness has been secretly niched-away from my predatorial apprehension.
Last night, at 3 am in the morning, I found myself on a walk-about down nearly deserted streets and alleys in Manhattan.  I collected a cup of coffee.  And nothing else.