This preface takes a retrospective approach—at least when it comes to New York City. Though this was written years after the journal was first created, I believe it warrants inclusion now.
Cities have long fascinated me. There’s something about the way interconnected parts somehow come together, day after day, to make it all work. It's relentless, ever-evolving, and timeless. And where better to begin than one of the most densely packed cities in the world?
I’ve tried to keep things light-hearted, avoiding too much detail unless I thought it might help future readers—or even us—if we ever return. Avoiding pitfalls and noting places we couldn’t get to seemed like a worthwhile endeavour.
Though this was my first attempt at documenting a trip, it would prove to be the spark that ignited my passion for travel journals in the future. As technology progressed, it opened more doors, allowing me to better portray our stories through online media like Blogger.
This, in turn, led me to coding—pushing me beyond the run-of-the-mill templates and inspiring me to add my own creative elements.
Looking back at the tech in 2012, who would have imagined that AI would one day help me with spelling and grammar—something I’ve struggled with over the years?
With each trip, I discover new ways to remember and share our journey, ensuring the story continues to evolve.
Con Burnes 2025
