Running the NYC marathon vs. being held hostage by monks

The first time I visited New York City doesn't really count.   I was help hostage by Nepalese monks somewhere in Brooklyn.

As hostage-takers go, they were okay.  I got four square meals a day and my own room.  But I wasn't able to go anywhere on my own.  If I wanted to go for a walk someone went with me.  If I wanted to see the city, a monk took me to Madame Tousseau's as if that was all there was to be seen.

Monks are supposed to be peaceful, but their torture was particularly sinister.  Hour ...