Dear Editor:

Having read Cindy Adams’ review of her recent trip to Maine in the New York Post, I couldn’t help but see the similarities of my trip to New York City.

I had gone to NYC for a job interview, my very first solo trip to the Big Apple. Everyone said I would be amazed at the tall buildings, the amount of people, and how expensive everything was. Boy, they were right! After a $55 cab ride to Times Square, I was met with a sensory overload of massive jumbo-trons flashing neon ads and breaking news from all over the world — not something you see in Maine every day. I remember riding in my parents’ station wagon getting super excited to see the bank clock in Portland. It meant we were almost to the Maine Mall where we would eventually get to eat at the Western Sizzler buffet.

Cindy referred to how friendly Mainers are. Well, I felt the same way in NYC. I was surprised to see how most people entering the subway station were careful not to kick the homeless person leaned up against the turnstile. She also refers to the water and how much of it there was in Maine. That went right along with my first impression of NYC and cement; that city must hold the record for square miles covered!

I made my interview and soon discovered if I took the job, housing was available in the Bronx — only three subway changes away with six other co-workers and the rent was only $1,200 a month. After thinking for about 30 seconds, I made the decision to get back to my little apartment in Boothbay Harbor as quick as I could.

Making my way back to the airport I had my flannel shirt tied around my waist covering my large behind and my Sea Bag over my shoulder. I couldn’t have been happier to be so “Maine” when I watched a woman across the train in her white Cashmere jumpsuit and Chanel bag get mugged by a 13-year-old.

I get you came to visit Maine by invitation, by folks whose ancestors basically invented Maine. I wish you had shared the names of these special people with us all. (I bet they are hiding under their flannel sheets hoping you remain silent).

Jennie Mitchell

Boothbay Harbor