NYLon

Before heading to New York for my first U.S. visit since relocating here, Andrew and I spent a few days in London while he was at a business conference. Given the 4 pound ($8!) price for riding the underground, we stuck close to our hotel location, near Westminster and Chelsea. Granted, this may have given me a somewhat skewed perspective of the city. Nevertheless, my general impression was that London was a lot like New York City, only without the neurosis.

New York can be an intimidating place; with all those smart, rich, beautiful people, the bar is set pretty high. However, these power people are permitted the aid of a psychotherapist in managing all their greatness. In fact, neurotic behavior is worn as a badge of honor (temper tantrums, absentmindedness, mental lapses: they're all seen as characteristics of the privileged), a kind of vehicle for creativity and high performance.

London, however, is in England and the English are not allowed such indiscretions as emotional outbursts or demonstrative behavior. Everything is accomplished seemingly without effort, and certainly not through some messy, stumbling, creative process. Reserved and detached, but near perfection... See the art of Millais which I saw here at the Tate.