in New York City. But if you want to blend in, here’s what you need to know. You will

need A copy of The New York Times A copy of the New York Post A quick stride Black clothes

A cell phone and an outsized ego. Step 1. Start the day by scanning The New York Times

and reading the gossipy Page Six of the New York Post. Forget USA Today – New Yorkers

only read that as a last resort. Step 2. Ditch the map – it’s a dead giveaway! Get the

general lay of the land before you leave your hotel, then only take the map out when you

can study it surreptitiously – like in a bathroom. Step 3. Speaking of bathrooms, there

are hardly any public restrooms in New York, so take advantage of “semi-public” bathrooms

in department stores, museums, cafes, and restaurants. Step 4. Be provincial. If anyone

mentions anyplace in the country other than Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago, ignore them.

Pretend to know everything there is to know about New York City. Make sure to reminisce

about the good old days when Time Square was riddled with crime and porno shops. Step 5.

Never drive a car in the city. Take the subway, a bus, or a cab—or better yet, walk. Step

6. Walk as fast as you can at all times, even if you’re not in a hurry. Never stand on

the curb waiting for a light. Step off and edge your way into the street until you can

cross. Step 7. Know how to give a cabbie directions: New Yorkers never give an exact, number address.

They give the street and the cross streets that border the block, like “50th between

5th and Madison!” H-o-u-s-t-o-n Street is pronounced “How-stun,” not “Hyoo-stun.”

Step 8. Wear a lot of black, especially if you’re a woman. It doesn’t matter if Manhattan

women are going to work, to a nightclub, or to a two-year-old’s birthday party – it’s

always better in black, and it’s always better to err on the side of dressy rather

than casual. If you must buy a souvenir “I Heart New York” t-shirt, for goodness sake,

leave it in the bag. Don’t wear it until you’re home. Step 9. Eat from the street.

No, not dumpsters – street vendors! Yeah, it’s a little scary, but it’s also cheap,

convenient, and surprisingly good. And we can’t remember the last person who died

from it. New York City honors its food vendors with the annual Vendy Awards. Research who

won most recently and hit up their cart. Step 10. Eat in restaurants after 8 p.m. – before

that, they’re either empty or—horror of horrors— patronized by families with small

children. Play it safe; have dinner at 9 and drinks at 11. Step 11. Always be on your cell

phone or checking your Blackberry. Is it rude? Yes. Is it the norm in New York City? Yes.

Step 12. Come back soon! You’re not nearly as annoying now as you were when you arrived.

Did you know Two-thirds of New Yorkers polled said that the holidays are the best time to

visit New York City.