Where IS New York?

Sadly, I never even knew New York City was so close (to "the South").  All these years, I thought it was light years away for some reason.  Of course, having traveled my whole life, I have known where it is situated on the map, however, it seemed that it was the distance of, let's say, Boston or something.

But what I have come to find out is that, whomever gave me this idea, was referring to what they call Upstate New York--because "The City" is truly, right around the corner from DC, Maryland, and Virginia.  A train ride, or even a bus ride, is only a few hours long.

When I knew I had to make my first trip up, I contacted an NYC blogger and was informed that the Greyhound would get me from D.C. to N.Y.C for about $20.  $20?  You can't be serious?  I was advised to take the Amtrak train though for speed, comfort, and timing (they said those China town buses frequently break down).  But, the Amtrak price was over $100, and knowing that I could pay $20 instead, just didn't sit well with my finances.

And who'da thought, that New York was only straight up Interstate 95? Maybe I should've just driven--save the hassle of trains, buses, subways, and walking.