Yesterday while walking back from checking out a potential apartment building, I experienced my first known encounter with New York's real citizens. Its rats. I was walking along 10th and 23rd when what I thought was some Chelsea boy's runaway teacup pooch scampered across my path. Only it was no beloved dog, but a rat. A big hairy one with a good six inch tail. It was quickly followed by four of its posse, running to the next trash can. I was on the phone with my friend Erik to share this special "first time" New York moment. I had read about these necessary neighbors, but never have I seen one (much less four) that size. I read in Time Out New York that some of them have teeth which can gnaw through steel.
Maybe that second story walk up is a pass.
Another first this morning: a guy walking down the street in a suit with electric razor in hand, shaving while singing to his iPod.
Today's score: a six. For the rats alone.
