Rest For The Wicked

New London's many hotel bedrooms are full of tourists and casual visitors. New London's mattresses are firm and soft at once. Chambermaids do their duties and concierges make sure everything is just so. Hospitality is a word with more than four letters, it is a state of mind.

In Connecticut's Whaling City, things are better than they seem. Everyone is welcome to snooze off a bender. It is autumn now and most of the city's windows are closed. In summer, late at night, most houses sound like someone inside is sawing wood.

A saying exists among New London's French Canadian population: "Bien humblement je l'ai suluee. D'un doux sourire elle m'a remercie." It is one of the remarks from which dreams are made.

Tough City

When the going gets tough, the tough hunker down in New London, Conn. New London's men are storm-tossed whalers, not mice. New London's women are tough birds. New London's children are streetwise and scrappy, sharp as pins and able to carry heavy burdens. Children grow up sassy and savvy, like swiss army knives they can solve a number of problems.

To live in New London, you've got to be able to swallow glass and spit nails. You have to be able to take it on the chin and keep swinging. Keep your wits and your humor about you. You will need both in New London.