Navigating Manhattan

It is Friday morning and I have woken up on Manhattan. Fantastic!

Sometimes something you think is bad and inconvenient turns into a blessing. The inability to “get there from here” has proven to be one of those things.

Backstory

Just to remind you of the back story: tomorrow is my 50th high school reunion. The bus company was not able to transport me about 80 miles to the bus station near my old hometown. Instead, I would have to come into Port Authority and then backtrack, thus doubling my travel.

My initial sarcastic "fantastic” has turned into “fantastic!” By deciding to turn it all into an adventure, I have had, thus far, a great 24 hours on my "Old Blind Chick Takes On Manhattan" tour.

Heading out alone

Wednesday evening I was as close to a basket case as I generally get. Sue, you are crazy! Two friends were convinced I was going to be mugged. My husband was convinced I would get lost. What was I thinking?

Not being one to admit I am wrong, I soldiered on. I had a mild anxiety attack when the bus was late. I was somewhat better when the bus broke in a small city 30 miles from our town. I have to admit, I was out of my element. Toto, I don’t think we are in Kansas any more.

Just the same, I was basically along for the ride – literally! – so I persevered. I persevered until I saw the skyline rising in the east. Once I had a glimpse of The City, excitement took over. I was all in for New York.

Gaining confidence

Manhattan energizes me. I hit the pavement and there is a bounce in my step. It is so good to be here!

The hotel was one block from the Port Authority as promised. I “bounced” over and got my “room with a view” and promptly headed for the security desk. Professional opinion, Mr. Security Person: can I walk to the theater?

My new friend Ryan took me on a field trip. We walked 2 blocks up and one block back. There was the theatre. I can do it MYSELF!

Not that I did it all by myself, of course. Along with bad eyes, I was cursed with a horrible sense of direction. If I asked for directions going to the Rockefeller Center once, I asked 2 dozen times. And that was WITH GPS on my phone! Everyone was kind and accommodating.

Leaning on others

I also had some lovely conversations, most of them started by the question, “What are you doing in New York?” A good one was with Artie at the top of the Rock observatory.

Hi, Artie! I could hold a conversation with Atlas who is holding up the world at Rockefeller Center, so it comes as no surprise I have talked to doormen, waitresses and shop clerks all over mid-Manhattan. They were all friendly and out-of-their-way accommodating to the old blind chick trying to take on Manhattan.

In short, I guess you could say I took on Manhattan and both Manhattan and I won. I have had a great time with wonderful people supporting me. Manhattan is getting a free, enthusiastic endorsement. Manhattan is VIP friendly and even an old, blind chick can go it alone in the city that never sleeps.

And, by the way? In case you have not figured it out, I love New York!