I just realized when I typed the above header that here in this country, one doesn't often pair the words New York with America. Interestingly, I have found this separation to be the most acute with New Yorkers, who for some reason, think that this city is somewhat of its own city-state. Perhaps it is to a degree, but I must admit that I think that it is good to for all of us to remember this place is soundly American. I like to think of here as boiled down American extract.

Ah, New York. Another of those damn places that are deems itself the 'center of the world.' As someone who as lived here for five years, I can only agree. Still, after visiting Paris and London, I do think that there is no winner in the center of the world contest. Pick one, stick with it and never change your mind. Just don't expect people to agree with you. The disagreement is the fun part.

I digress. I am here to talk about the trip, not ponder about New York, nor even fume about the miniaturization of the Wall Street Journal. I came back here to be with Christy for New Years, and catch up as many of my friends as I can find in the short time I am here. Mostly I have been in Brooklyn, catching up with old friends. And of course, I had to search out some wonderful Bergen Bagels and chow down on perhaps the most American of foods, the burrito.

I even happened upon my friends Brian and Steve, a.k.a. CrudeFeatures.com, this morning at my once local coffee shop, which was a pleasant surprise for me. They mentioned that I seem to spend too much time in these posts complaining about the computer labs, wacky keyboards and lack of time to write while on the road. Hmm. They may be on to something. What, do you guys want to actually know what's going on outside of the computer lab? But there is so much to say about the quality of Cambodian PCs...

I will now make a New Years resolution to not complain as much about the computer labs I write in. Hopefully, this will make this here thing more like a real travelogue. You will have to wait and see.

Next big thing on the trip is meeting Christy's parents on Friday. It should be fun. I learned today that some of the Powers family—other than Christy—actually reads this here site. Welcome, y'all. It seems that I am now writing for two mothers, mine and hers.

Well, I have to get out of here. Happy New Year one and all. I wish you all a great 2007.