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Thursday, October 21, 2010

Lost & Found - The Subways of New York!

A trip to the city that never sleeps! This was something i was looking forward to. New York - the city of fashion, architecture, skyscrapers, numerous cuisine, bustling crowd, hustling streets, yellow cabs and unending subways. Phew!! For me, this city was like the "new toy to a little kid". I got to learn a lot of interesting things like the fact that New York is a combination of 5 boroughs- Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island and Queens. Untill then i thought it was all about Manhattan!!!

With just four days and a handful of places to visit, we had to prioritize our sightseeing trips. On the last day of the trip, we decided to visit the St. Patricks Cathedral. With its beautiful architechture and artistic design, St. Patricks Cathedral is more than just a church. We were a group of six. We took a subway to reach the 51st street.  I was among the last ones to get out of the train. As i was about to get out, the automatic doors started closing and i was stuck inside the train while the rest of them were out. Gosh!!!! That was something!!. It was like one tight slap! I acted brave and stood near the door with a look on my face that said " Hey people! Is something wrong??? ". While deep inside, i was on the verge of fainting!!!! I jumped out as soon as the train stopped at the next station. There was hardly anybody around there. It was  scary to be stuck in an unknown subway station with just a few dollars and a passport! I had a feeling that people were eying me! The bravery in me seemed to be leaking out. So i started walking ( ideally running ) towards the exit and stood like a pole near the exit gate.

I guess there was problem written all over my face that made a very nice lady stop by me and ask if i had some problem. She told me not to worry and relax as i gave her little info about how i got stuck here. She offered me a candy and insisted that i have it. Ahaaaaa!! Now the CID in me awoke and that made me suspicious about her intentions. I told her i would have the candy later and asked if i coud use her phone. She readily agreed and handed over her mobile. I called my hubby and left him a message about my whereabouts. It was then that i had a little relief and felt good that the nice lady was with me. I thanked her and told her to carry on. She then gave me few dimes and asked me to use the pay phone in case it takes more time. And she gave me a big hug and told me that everything will be fine and left. To tell the truth, i felt a little sad when she left. Though she was a stranger, at that point of time she was like a great friend for me. As i waited for a few more mins i heard my hubbys voice a little further up the stairs. It was like breath of fresh air. And so, i was reunited with him and the rest of the family. Yippeeee!! :D

His end of the story - My hubby waited for the next train towards the same direction and got down at the next station ( hoping i would do the same, which i had :D ) and got to the exit. But then i had got out through the other exit of the same station. And in NY, the two exits of a station are at the two ends of one whole street (which is almost a mile away). He asked people around if they saw me and when he could not find me, ran to the other exit on a hunch. And tadaaaa.. there i was. Brave little girl (ahem ahem).. hehehe.. Though it sounds simple now, i am more than greatful to God for helping us out.