Among the things that have happened to me, this is something I haven't told many people. Mostly, because it is a little embarrassing, but for the sake of re-joining the writing community I'll share my story. I was visiting one of my closest friends, Zimri for her birthday, and overall the trip was amazing because I felt like a New Yorker for the time I was there. In the midst of random faces, I felt at peace, like it was a second home. Since she worked in the city, we often took the train to Gregory's Coffee and on the second day I was there, Zimri encouraged me to walk the city and sightsee. I was a little skeptical at first but I eventually thought "Am I really gonna sit here for eight hours reading Reddit posts?"
I ventured out to the city to enjoy as much of the time possible; in true New York fashion I plugged in my headphones and set a GPS to Times Square (how touristy of me, I know.) My first mistake was going the wrong way *facepalm* but eventually, I got back on course and walked the city. I walked for what felt like an hour and I got lost multiple times, but I didn't fret. I had the GPS and it was New York, I had time to kill. I walked by Richard Rogers Theater and my Hamilton obsession kicked in and honestly, I spent a good time in the store, I got to cool off and enjoyed seeing some expensive Hamilton merch.
I finally made it to Times Square and it was magical, not because of the countless bodies crowded into a small area, but because you can see where countless lives meet. Everyone's life at that very moment will have a memory of being there on that day, and at that very hour. I took a few pictures and a few videos, walked around into a few stores, and eventually sat on a concrete wall and decided to rest before heading back to my friend's job.
I played my favorite playlist, inhaled the crowded and humid oxygen, and I felt my calves pulsating from walking so much. After 20 minutes of getting lost in thought, I decided to walk back since it felt especially hot that day. I got up and decided to set a course for Gregory's Coffee, and that's where the problem started. See, I only remembered that there was a Wells Fargo next to the coffee shop, but not a street or the address. I decided to text my friend to see if she could send me the address, the unfortunate thing was I texted her during the third rush hour at 5 p.m. There is one at 6-7 a.m., another from 12-2 p.m., and the last from 5-6 p.m. So, I didn't get a response, and another problem is that Gregory's Coffee is a franchise so there are five locations just in the Times Square area.
I decided to sit after about 40 minutes of walking without direction to think about the surroundings, I saw a sign that said 'Bryant Park' so I remember texting my friend's boyfriend asking "how far is Bryant Park from Zimri's job?" Unfortunately, he was at work too, and as you can already imagine I didn't get a text right away. I was not upset about it because I was texting people at their jobs, and I saw this an opportunity to relax and take in the city. I decided to let my inner compass guide me, as I walked I noticed a few things that seemed familiar.
I noticed that across the street were the HBO headquarters and all I could think of was my favorite show "Game of Thrones." I continued on a street named W 42nd St. I saw a restaurant called "Dallas BBQ" a place I had eaten when I first went to NYC. I decided to make a left instead of heading to the restaurant and that's when it all hit me at once. It was Fashion Avenue! I saw a big needle and button, and a statue of an older Jewish man sowing. Just as I felt a wave of relief sweep over me, noticed the Wells Fargo which was the final confirmation I had reached my destination. I walked into the café with a smile over my face, with beads of sweat down my forehead, and a bright red face.
I am thankful for this experience, and it is easily one of the best memories I had on that trip. Yes, right before arriving I got my friend's text of the address, but I felt a sense of pride on doing this on my own. I hope to return to New York in August of 2019 to continue the adventure.
