Why Following Strangers is a Good Idea

I've been in a lot of dark allies, and if you're anything like me, you've seen your fair share of raccoons hustling after dusk, trying to get the good garbage for their lady. O'Malley's off of third on the corner of Queen St. They know what's up.

If you want to know how to get around a city or find out where the best sitting spots are, or the best poking spots, or the best places to get ice cream, you gotta ask a local.

I have gotten lost, believe it or not, several times. Mainly in New York City because it's a very big city, and I am very small. I've been to NY by myself twice. The first trip was for five days. In this time, I got lost about six times.

Thankfully, a kind older gentleman who liked asking me intruding questions about my love life was eager to help me find my train to The World Trade Center.

In fact, I've asked tons of strangers in NY for directions. And you know what happened? I got where I was going in record time!

My second trip to NY, I followed an older gentleman around the heart of the city, right off the bus stop to the 1 train. He wasn't creepy: he just had pizza hanging out of his mouth. The only downside to that little adventure was rolling a fifty-pound suitcase to three different subways.

If there's one take away I have from traveling in NY, it's this: Pack light, and keep it tight.

And if there's one take away I want you to take away from this, it's this; it's okay to ask people for directions. Sometimes they're the only ones that know where you're going.