Like many a San Franciscan, I've had a long love affair with that great urban metropolis on the other side of the country, New York City. Whether transplanted New Yorkers or members of the bicoastal set, more than a few locals are connected to their East Coast counterparts.

In my own case, friends and colleagues have kept me visiting New York City regularly since I was a child. My last visit took place earlier this month, on the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. It seemed a fitting time to check in.

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