New York is a walkers’ city, which means people must schlep stuff around on their person. It is, therefore, a city of backpacks and satchels and messenger bags. In the Big Apple, people eat on the run or tote their dinners home in carryout containers.

When I lived in the city I lusted after a shoulder-strapped leather briefcase, received one as a gift, and have it still. Though I no longer use it I can’t bear to part with it.

Last week, I crammed everything I needed each day into my cross-body bag and the pockets of my coat. I could leave nothing in the car, of course, since I didn’t have one there. If I had, it would have been parked in an expensive garage.

Instead, I walked and took the subway. I watched New Yorkers stride about with everything they needed attached to their bodies, including … a cello.