Tourists

Small group of tourist kids singing loudly: I believe I can fly… I believe I can touch the sky…
Mom: That’s what you think!

–74th & Broadway

Overheard by: Susan Volchok

Tourist #1: Oooh, what’s that?
Tourists #1 and #2 simultaneously: A synagogue!

–St. Bart’s, 50th & Park

Overheard by: former Episcopalian

Guy to buddy: It’s just like New York, except it’s clean and quiet… and people are nice.

–51st & Broadway

Tourist girl: You guys, we’re finally here! New York! Sleepless in… Oh my god, I’m such a moron!

–Incoming Air Canada flight, JFK airport

Overheard by: la petite touriste

Hobo to passerby wearing ‘I love NY’ shirt: Try living here for a few months, see how much you fucking love it.

–Chinatown

Pedicab driver to intrigued tourists: It is the most exciting thing you will do in New York City.

–58th & 5th

Overheard by: Stevo

Woman: Sure, in New York something gets blown up every now and then. But at least we don’t have to worry about falling off into the ocean.

–Filene’s Basement

Overheard by: amused tourist

High-strung mom to nanny: Just leave him here and go check. He’s not going to get kidnapped. No one in New York wants kids, anyway.

–C train

Subway preacher: All of you are going to hell because of New York!

–Grand Central

Barista: Okay, and a name for your cup?
Tourist: What?!
Barista: Name for your cup?
Tourist: Why would I want to name my cup?!
Barista: Just tell me your name.
Tourist: I shouldn’t have to tell you my name — what is your problem? [Turns to friend] My lord, New York is so weird…

–Starbucks, Rockefeller Center

Overheard by: Megan Cowles

Tourist: Excuse me, where’s the nearest exit?
Janitor: Uh, which exit?
Tourist: Any exit to get out of here.
Janitor: Anywhere.

–Penn Station

Overheard by: Jordan

Tourist lady #1 looking at map: I don’t get it. I don’t see Rockefeller Center. Where’s the tree?
Tourist lady #2: I don’t know. Do you just want to try and find Times Square instead?

–Times Square

Tourist, after receiving directions: Thanks! Very good hotdogs!
Hotdog vender: Same to you!

–W 57th & 6th

Overheard by: Meredith W

Tourist man: Honey, why don’t we just go back to the room?
Tourist woman: Okay. We’re all going to calm down. We’ve done everything we can do. The police report has been filed. We’re all going to forget. We’re going to take a deep breath, and we’re going to move on. A new trip, a new beginning. Our new objective is to simply maneuver from point A to point B without getting mugged.

–Outside Urban Outfitters, 72nd & Broadway

Overheard by: Katie

Tourist #1: Is the show over?
Tourist #2: No, it says here that it’s intermission.
Tourist #3: What do you do during intermission?

–Ambassador Theatre

Overheard by: sophia

Tourist to random girl: You go, girl!
Girl: You can’t say shit like that. You are not in fucking North Carolina anymore!
Tourist: Whatevs, the only difference between New York City and North Carolina is that there is a Y in the middle of N-C.

–Grand Central