It's not that Kris is unintelligent. Far from it. Her Ivy League graduate degree is plenty proof of that. In fact, she's one of the most intelligent people I know.

It's just that… well… let me tell you the story and you can see for yourself. (She's going to hate me for this.)

Her first day in Manhattan. Kris walked the streets in wide-eyed wonder. Everything was so grand, so bustling, so intense. It was almost overwhelming. But she took it all in.

She eagerly rode the subways and followed the crowds, trying not to use a map and look like a tourist. When she got to Penn Station, she followed the herd outside to look for a taxi.

The taxi lines were long as usual. She walked towards the back and looked down the street. Dozens of taxis were approaching. The wait shouldn't be too long.

"Hey Miss! Miss?"

She turned around.

"Miss, you need a taxi?"

It was a man wearing jeans and a dark button-down shirt. His eyes looked weary and his mustache needed a trim.

"Miss, you don't have to wait in line. I can get you a taxi."

"Really?" Kris asked. "How?"

"I work for the taxi company. I help people get taxis. Here, follow me." He walked to the corner of the block. Kris followed, intrigued. There were people all around, so she knew she was safe.

At the corner, the man hailed a taxi. It pulled over immediately. Kris was impressed.

"Where are you going?" asked the man.

"Union Square."

"Okay, we have a flat rate for that area. Just twenty bucks. It's discounted from the usual fares."

"Okay…" Kris fished out a twenty-dollar bill and handed it over.

"Thanks." The man opened the door to the taxi and shut it behind Kris. "Union Square please," he shouted to the driver. "Have a nice day," he nodded to Kris. She waved back.

The drive to Union Square was pleasant. She looked out the window the entire time, trying to absorb all she could see. The buildings, the people, the shops. The sights, the sounds, the smells. It was all so much. She knew she was going to love it here.

Finally, the taxi arrived.

"Thank you!" chirped Kris as she swung open the door excitedly. It was her first time in Union Square and she was eager to see it.

"Hey! Hold on lady!" shouted the driver. "Where the hell do you think you're goin'?"

Kris froze.

"You gotta pay me first. This ain't a free ride, lady!"

"Wha-what?" Kris muttered. "But I-I already paid."

"What the hell you talkin' about? You didn't pay shit. You were just 'bout to run out that door without payin' me!"

"B-but, I paid the man on the street. He got me this t-taxi…"

"What planet are you from, lady? What man on the street? Why you payin' some man on the street for a taxi ride? You don't pay no one else but me. So c'mon, I ain't got all day."

Kris wiped the sweat from her brow. Her hands were shaking as she reached into her wallet. To make matters worse, it was much less than twenty dollars. The driver swiped the cash with a grunt and sped away as soon as Kris was out the door. "Stupid tourist," he growled.

Kris watched the taxi drive away and sighed. Welcome to Manhattan, Kris.

. . .

Do you remember your first experience with Manhattan?