LEARNING THE SUBWAY IS AS EASY AS 123, ABC + Google Maps

DETOUR 1A- SUBWAY

To those of you who know me, I realize that this next entry may equate to what you may think was an actual “miracle”. To those of you who don’t know me, I guess the truth has been revealed. I am directionally challenged. For a world traveler, this can be an obstacle or a chance to see new corners of the globe. I was born with dyslexia which I overcame at a young age in terms of reading but it took me until my early teens to get the left/right concept perfected. If it had not been for God’s grace and a large mole on my right leg, I would have never made it through childhood, the hokey pokey and eye tests asking me which direction the E is pointing. The thing about left and right is this…It changes whenever you move. Think about it. I have spent too much time thinking about it. Anyway, that long self-deprecating admission was to tell you this exciting news, with the help of my very patient and smart friend Shelly, I learned the NY subway system! The subway is where every detour starts. You gotta get there first, so this is where my first Detour Started. Call out to Shelly who picked the FIRST Detour and endured teaching me the subway. She said it’s simple Google Maps. It just makes sense. Plus and bonus, in the subway they don’t refer to Left or Right, they don’t say N, S, E, W, they say Uptown or Downtown. They point to where you are going not how to get there. YES, I get you NYC. As a side note, it has just occurred to me that you may be wondering why I call this blog deliberate detours and why I’ve had so many? Read on.

HERE’S HOW TO DO IT YOURSELF: When taking the Subway you need to do the following: 1. Download Google Apps and choose Transit. The map will tell you which subway to take. If you need to change rails it will give you a detailed map of how to navigate from one train to the next 2. You must FIRST DETERMINE if you are heading uptown or downtown. This determines the directions the subway is headed. If you are headed the wrong direction don’t fret! Get off go up and over across the street or under the street and catch the train going the opposite or in fact now correct direction for your destination. A good friend gave me the best advice ever- Don’t worry. Get off the train and go up. Reaccess and start over.  3. Don’t call the tracks by color in NY call them by letter or number. Ex the 1,2 and express the 3 is local. Same applies to ABC. If you are going to a major stop take the express. If you are going to a smaller stop you may need a local. 4. You can always ask. It’s not true that New Yorkers are rude. Many are in fact helpful and kind. 5. Enjoy. It’s a quick and efficient way to navigate the city and avoid traffic jams.