We got an early start, today, me getting up around 5:45, to finish getting things packed and squared away before we met my parents, who took us to the airport. Wait, let me start over. We got an early start, in that we went to bed around 9:30 the night before, but didn’t get to sleep until around 3. The excitement of the trip just wouldn’t allow us to sleep.

In any event, we met up with my parents and had an uneventful trip to the airport. When we got there, my dad gave us one final gift: Stupid Money. Stupid Money is money that we’re supposed to use on something about which we think “Man, I wanna do that, but it’s stupid that it costs that much.” Stupid Money. What a great idea.

Anyways, we waited for about 40 days and 40 nights before the flight began boarding, and then we were off. Another 40 days later, the plane landed at LaGuardia, and we began our adventure in New York. It started with the taxi from the airport to the hotel. Well, first off, if you’ve never ridden in a cab in New York, that’s an adventure in and of itself. The next adventure is when you get to your destination. The cabbie rapidly fires a number at you, and assuming you heard it right, that’s your total fare. Then, there’s a massive mental crisis.

What do I tip? I do tip, right? How much? A percentage? Quick, what’s 20% of 17.46? Dammit! I dunno!

Then, to add to the turmoil, there are bellmen grabbing bags, and the only way you know it’s all okay is because they’re wearing goofy hats and their gloves have all the fingers. Do you tip them? How much? Quick, what’s 20% of two bags and a couple carry-ons?

When it’s all said and done, though, we got into our room, struck out into the city and had a great time. We had some pizza, saw some guys almost get into a fight, got petitioned for a number of various clubs, and talked with some lovely people from all over the world.

Tomorrow, we’re going to hit up some museums, and some other sights. I’ll tell you all about that tomorrow, and hopefully, with pictures!