I was at the La Guardia airport as the Christmas sun shone brightly over the amazing sky scrappers of New York city. I had to help myself to reach my friend's place in New Jersey.
Get into M60 and get down at the Lexington avenue East 7th street junction, he told when I called him up. 7th street and what nagar ?:-) I asked him. And by the way, will you be there to receive me when I get down there? No da... get into the Metro station and board the blue line to Hoboken came the reply. And on your way back to Fairmont avenue, get down at the Journal square. I just told ok. And don't forget! You won't have signal when you get into the station and every time you enter the station you need a pass. I was furious. So you want me to remember everything you told me now? Yes, was his reply. I am new to all this. Train passes, yellow, blue and red lines, Streets and avenue junctions everything. I am from a little village called Appleton.
Follow the route I told you. Don't worry. You won't die. My friend yelled on the phone.
So... how long does it take to reach your place?
1.5 hrs I guess. And give me a call when you get down at the Journal square.
Will you be there to pick me up from there? this is me....
No da... I can guide you to my apartment.
F*****.... hang up! I told.... :-)
I recalled everything he told once and was very successful in reaching his apartment. Well it should be evident now :-) I entered his apartment on the 23rd floor. To my surprise there were 7 guys onboard trying to disturb my concentration and get me out. I didn't know any of them but when I came back to Appleton after a 3 day long trip, I had 7 more friends added to my life.
I peeped out of his bedroom window in awe. The New York skyline on the banks of a standstill Hudson was a visual treat. I didn't have the luxury to enjoy the sight for long as I, along with 6 others had to rush for a little sight seeing before boarding a bus to Washington DC.
Missed lunch at Saravana Bhavan, missed climbing the Empire state, missed a long time fun at rock feller. My friend was taking us in rectangular paths despite several warnings from me that his iphone GPS is taking one-ways into account and he is in "travel by car" mode. He used his experience on the streets of New York as an advantage to overshadow my common sense until I got into a rebellious mode by not walking further with the group. He then realized his folly and it cost me a much anticipated lunch at HSB after a year. The wish was satisfied only in September 2009 at Sunnyvale.
We ran and ran and ran from Rock feller to the Manhattan as it was getting late to board the bus to Washington. As we entered the China Town past Manhattan, nativity bestowed upon me. I felt like I was in Burma Bazaar, Pary's corner.
Will continue....
