World traveller here.
Have lived in Spain and Italy.
"Americans just don't know what it's like in other places. If they did, they would demand more and better treatment."
I don't demand anything from anybody.
As far as I can tell that is called entitlement and very close to alcoholic thinking.
I am in charge of my own life.
And yes, I will give you that people can be rude on the subway!
NYC Parks:
Carl Schurz Park (on the WATER!)
Central Park
Prospect Park
Van Cortland Park
Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
Bronx Botanical Gardens
The Cloisters
Jones Beach
Connecticut
Jersey Shore
Air conditioned spaces:
Public Libraries
Brooklyn museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art (open until 9pm Fri and Sat nights)
MOMA
American Museum of Natural History
Transit Museum
These are just a FEW of the many many places one can go by PUBLIC transportation in and near NYC.
NYC can be hard but also fabulous if you have the energy to take advantage all of the opportunities available. Many,especially in the summer, are free!
For me - It isn't where you are but where your head is at.
Hope you get some sleep.
Paris is always there for you to return to should you desire.
Good luck