hitchin' a ride with a stranger

I knew getting to work could be a challenge, but I didn't imagine it would be this hard.

Today is the NYC Marathon, and the route passes up First Avenue. In past years, the streets have been blocked off between 57th and somewhere in the 100's. Crossing after noon is near impossible. I once missed a Marathon Party being held by a friend who had a balcony with a great view. Her apartment was about two blocks from mine but I had to cross First Avenue to get there. I didn't make it.

I have to be at work at 12:30 on Sundays, and I knew crossing First Avenue would be difficult from noon on. So at 10:30 I leave my house. 

I walk over to First and discover there are no pedestrian crossings at any time.  In the past, police have let large groups of people cross when runners are scarce. Today, because of the tragedy last week, no one is crossing even when there are no runners in sight.

So I walk over to York to take the bus.  I see a policeman there who says, "Haven't seen a bus in over two hours."

I try getting a car service only to be told there are extensive waits.

And forget hailing a cab. There are none.

I can't walk the mile and a half as I'll already be doing seven or more miles once I arrive.

So really, I have no choice.

At the intersection of York and 79th is a traffic light. When the light turns red, I approach a car with a friendly-looking driver. I knock on his window.

"Hi," I say. "I really need to get to work (as if some poor patient's life is in my hands). There are no busses, taxies or VIA's. Can I ride with you to 57th Street; you can't turn before then?"

I don't look threatening. Brazen, maybe, but not crazy.

"Sure," he says. "Jump in."

Turns out the driver's name is Jorge. 

I picked well. Jorge is very nice, even allowing me to take his picture for this blog post.

It's been a long time since I've gotten into the car of a stranger. 

Despite an increasingly threatening world, it's good to know that people like Jorge exist.