I must admit any preconceived ideas I had about Providence were erroneous. I found it to be a friendly, and at least in the historic sections I passed thru, a beautiful city full of desirable eateries, easy to get around in. Although I never found the cichlid shops, I found lobsters in the wharf in Newport, at 1/3 my midwestern cost, and a fabulous Asian fusion/Tapas bar with great bourbon and food in Providence called North.