Traveling Alone In New York
I meant to post this last week, but I never got around to it. A fellow writer, SyddyHud , asked me to share my experience of traveling alone during my SummerSlam vacation in NYC, and I think that's a good idea. I'm sharing two experiences from this trip, and both are during the day, because I will NOT travel alone at night.
For those who don't know, I have a big fear of traveling anywhere alone. It's something I have been dealing with for YEARS, and not something I can just "get over". I'll do it when I have no other choice, but I'll also avoid it whenever I can.
During SummerSlam weekend, I had plans to attend the Randy Orton signing, while my friends went to the city to kill time. We all took the train, with my stop being on the way. The arena where Randy's signing would be was around the corner from the stop; my friends let me know where to go, and I had a week long pass for the train, so I was good to go. When I got off, I asked a lady where the Barclay's Center was, and she told me it was right there (just one block away), and I kind of felt like a doofus lol. :p There was a crowd of WWE fans so I felt a bit better being on my own.
Once the signing was over, I texted my friends and they told me to get on the train for six stops, so that way I knew when to get off. I went back to the same train station, and asked another lady which was the train for Times Square, and she pointed it out to me when it got there. I got on the train station for six stops, left the station and realized I was in the Rockefeller Center. I mean, it was basically like a mall; shops and all, so I knew I was okay. The LEGO store was right across the street, so once I finally found the exit (I couldn't find it haha), I told my friends I'd meet them there, and all was well.
The second time I traveled alone was when it was time to go home. My friends dropped me off at the bus/train/whatever station in Philly. I asked the staff where the MegaBus was, and they told me it was across the street. It was a short walk and there were other people there as well. I asked someone if it was the bus to Baltimore, and got in line. They checked my name off the list, took my luggage and I headed to the upper deck for a window seat, hehe. :p The MegaBus stop in Baltimore was at the mall we always shop at, and I only had to wait a few minutes for my sister and her boyfriend to pick me up, and then we headed home.
Sooo, those were two times I traveled alone, during this vacation. I was a bit nervous, but kept my guard up and paid attention to my surroundings. I don't want any of my friends who read this to get the wrong idea, just because I do this one one trip, doesn't mean I can do it on another. It's on an experience-by-experience basis, and I refuse to do it at night.
This is not something I can just "get over" - but I am proud for making those steps during my trip. :)
Traveling TravelingAlone Train MegaBus Walking NYC NewYork Philadelphia Vacation Experience Fears MakingProgress Journal Personal
Image Credit » https://pixabay.com/en/subway-station-train-station-transit-690894/ by Unsplash
Comments
JohnRoberts wrote on January 18, 2016, 4:35 PM
I traveled alone to New York City weeks following my 18th birthday and experienced no fear or apprehension. Perhaps I should have.
1DWDavisRSL wrote on January 18, 2016, 5:02 PM
I think you did well to go as far as you did in NYC by yourself. I have no urge to ever go to NYC. Raleigh, NC is a big enough city for me, and I don't go there unless I have to.
1Deepizzaguy wrote on January 18, 2016, 6:56 PM
Thank goodness no one harmed you while you were by yourself in the Big Apple seeing your wrestling heroes at Madison Square Garden. Randy Orton's dad is Bob "Ace" and "Big O" Orton who was one of my favorite wrestlers in Mid South Wrestling and the W W F working as the body guard of the late Roddy Piper during his Piper's Pit segment.
1lookatdesktop wrote on January 18, 2016, 8:32 PM
If you can, try Dog N Suds, when you see one. They make great dogs and suds. lol.
ViperGirl85 wrote on January 18, 2016, 9:45 PM
Nah, just because I was afraid doesn't mean everyone should be. I don't even like walking up the street alone. I'm glad other people can do it without fear.
1ViperGirl85 wrote on January 18, 2016, 9:49 PM
Thanks! :) I like NYC, but I have only been there a few times. It's about four hours away, so we went for WWE SummerSlam weekend.
ViperGirl85 wrote on January 18, 2016, 9:50 PM
Thanks! I didn't go to Madison Square Garden during this particular trip. Most of the SummerSlam stuff was held in Brooklyn, so the autograph signings, NXT Takeover, SummerSlam and Raw were all held at the Barclay's Center. I know who Randy Orton's Dad is lol, and I miss Piper.
1ViperGirl85 wrote on January 18, 2016, 9:51 PM
LOL, is this something in NYC?
1lookatdesktop wrote on January 19, 2016, 12:29 AM
No. I think it was initially located in Clarence, New York, but here is a link for you to look at : http://drive-ins.dog-n-suds.com/page.php?3
crowntower wrote on January 19, 2016, 5:46 AM
But at least you did experienced it. When I was younger I'd like to do something that I will never do in my right mind. Hehehe.. but it is a cool and fun memories... but don't get me wrong I will not do things that I know is a cardinal sin...lol! God bless.
ViperGirl85 wrote on January 25, 2016, 5:23 PM
Oooh, thanks. I meant New York in general, but I typed in NYC out of habit (I should break that habit lol). Thanks! :)
ViperGirl85 wrote on January 25, 2016, 5:25 PM
Thanks! It's good to try new things; and this was a big step for me, as traveling alone is a big fear of mine.