A full third of the students in my freshman class at college were either from New York or from one its numerous surrounding regions (Long Island, Westchester, etc.). They constantly talked about “The City,” and how great it was, and how they could barely stand the fact that they weren’t there at this very moment. (For the record, the college was located on top of a verdant hill about four hours north of The City.) When I’d admit that I’d never been to New York, they’d narrow their eyes and cock their heads to the side, like dogs who’d heard…