If you happen to be in Williamsburg, I’d suggest walking down Metropolitan towards Kent Ave (that’s right near the east river). When you get between Berry and Wythe you’ll happen upon a man who’s almost always chilling on his stoop. Sometimes he’s sitting in a chair, sometimes he’s hunched over the front railing, and sometimes he’s standing in his doorway. Whichever way you see him, he’ll ALWAYS say hello, and maybe even chat you up (but just for a bit).

If you drive by, slow down and wave, he’ll perk up, grin and wave back like you’re his best friend. It’s one of the best feelings. If you’re down, that cheery wave can make your day. If I ever go by and he’s not there I feel like something’s missing. Something just ain’t right.

It’s nice, in a city that’s known for its abrassiveness and disregard, to find someone who doesn’t mind just saying “hello”–even if he doesn’t know ya.