Lost in New York

Joelan and I flew into New York. We met a linebacker for the NFL New York Jets, Blair Phillips, at baggage claim. We caught a taxi to Brooklyn. The taxi dropped us off within walking distance to where we are staying (my friend Austin's apartment)...so far so good. Austin is out of town and mailed me his keys, apartment address (#10 Grace Ct), and apartment number (#C3). So, we find the street, Grace Ct., but we cannot find #10 Grace Ct. So picture this...Joelan and I with backpacks over our shoulders, pulling our suitcases behind us, walking up and down the streets of Brooklyn, asking people where #10 Grace Court is. After a really long time, we find out that there is no #10 Grace Ct. Austin's cell phone is going straight to voice mail, and it's starting to get dark and rain. Then, we found out that there was a #10 Grace Court Alley. We found that apartment but the keys did not work. At this point, Joelan looks at me and says, "I'm scared!" I'm thinking to myself...PHOBIA: "Overcoming the fear of being lost and homeless in New York."

Then, we go back to Grace Ct...still pulling the suitcases down the sidewalk. We try apartment building #1. We get into the building and go up to apartment #C3. A girl with many tattoos and piercings answers the door..wrong apartment. We try #2 apartment building and the doorman, who does not speak English, does not let us in. We try apartment building #19 and cannot get through the front lobby door. A nice girl/lady shows up with a key and lets us in. We ride the elevator with her and get off on the 3rd floor. We try apartment #3C and the key works. We are in. We made it. "Hallelujah, praise God from whom all blessing flow." I just chased a lion into a snowy pit and killed it. By the way, Austin's apartment is smaller than my bedroom.

After saying a prayer of thanks, we ventured out and found a little NY Pizza dive. We swung by CVS and bought a 12 pack of diet cokes and a box of pop tarts...breakfast. We are rolling now. To celebrate we dropped into Starbucks and the dude behind the counter laughed at me for ordering a Caffeine Free Vente Caramel Mochiata.

We are now back at the apartment...safe and sound. Tomorrow, we are going to attempt to visit The Statute of Liberty, Empire State Building, World Trade Center Memorial, Grand Central, and Yankee Stadium. We have tickets to the Yankees vs. Mariners Game tomorrow night.

Building Memories,
Jonathan