I just got back from a whirlwind round of client visits in Kansas, MO (where I spent less than five hours) and Washington, DC (where I spent less than a day) before coming home to New York City. As much as I could have dealt with a more leisurely travel schedule, I did get to learn a bit about Missouri, played tourist on a brief walk in DC and later ate at my favorite tapas place Jaleo (if you go soon, try the baby corn while it's in season).
Sometimes you don't need to stay long to get a feel for a place. I can sum up the atmosphere in each city from a quote I heard along the way:
"There’s one thing that defines Kansas City: you’ll never hear a horn honking." - Car service driver en route to the airport
"McCain just ain't selling." - Gift shop cashier in DC's Union Station
"This is New York, not New Jersey!" - Cab driver yelling at a driver with Jersey plates who cut him off near Penn Station
It's good to be home.
