So I always learn a lot at Interop (whichever edition of the show I’m attending), and I’ll be sharing news and wrap-up info for the next few days. This morning, though, a quick look back from gate A-22 at Newark International Airport…

1. JetBlue is a good airline

Yeah, I know that they kept passengers locked on a plane for six weeks last winter (maybe it was a little less time, but the passengers were really upset), but they seem to have their act together now. The planes are nice (plenty of leg room), the first bag is free (as are the snacks and satellite TV), and the people are friendly. To top it all off, the fares are low. Put it all together and it’s a darned nice package for an airline today.

2. Ink48 is a great little hotel

It’s not in the fashionable part of Manhattan (way over on the west side between 47th and 48th), but it’s high-fashion on the inside of this brand-new hotel. The room was extremely nice, the Internet access (for Kimpton frequent sleepers) was free, and the staff was simply great. It’s just a few blocks to Times Square and the Theater District, a pleasant walk to Javits, and you get to see (and smell) horses in the evening. It’s my new favorite hotel in New York (even if the cabbies don’t know where it is, yet).

3. There is decent barbecue in Manhattan

As a child of the South, I can get pretty religious about good ‘cue. Daisy May’s (on 11th at 46th) isn’t “authentic” Southern (or Texas) barbecue, but it’s darned good stuff, nonetheless. The ribs were tasty and tender, the dirty rice and beans were good, the collard greens were wonderful, and bourbon peaches were simply divine. Carol reports that the red velvet cake was great, as well, so this is a hit in every direction. In something that’s becoming a theme, the staff was friendly (the manager came out and talked with us for a while), and the country music wasn’t too modern for my tastes. Highly recommended.

4. The reputation of New Yorkers is a lie

OK, I’ve been to New York when it seemed like every encounter with a doorman or waiter was a variation on hand-to-hand combat. On this visit, though, every person I dealt with in the Tri-State area was helpful, friendly, and a joy to deal with. How complete was the friendliness? The TSA agents at Newark this morning were pleasant, helpful and (I don’t want to get them in trouble) actually friendly as they helped me and others get through the lines. It’s like someone exploded a “nice bomb” over Manhattan and the fallout has hit a lot of people. It may have been the good weather that put folks in a great mood, but this has been one of the most pleasant business trips I’ve had in years.

5. There’s no substitute for getting out of the office

I love webcasts, video conferencing, and email. I spend too much time on Instant Messaging and texts through my cell phone. With all the contact those technologies allow, there’s still no substitute for getting out, meeting people, and allowing for the chance encounters that enrich business and personal life. Go to a show, eat lunch with a stranger, shake hands at a booth you’ve never seen before. Get out there and make things happen. You’ll be glad you did.

They’re calling my plane, but I’ll have more later. Thanks for all the comments — I’ll look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!