new york has definitely not been a smooth experience, but it seem like every time I’m alone and out in public struggling some how some nice stranger offers me a hand. like when ever I’m traveling back from my parents house on the subway carting a huge suitcase full free laundry and a bunch more goodies, some one always helps me carry them up the stairs and through the turnstiles. ALWAYS, and without getting groped or pick-pocketed.

and the best instance of this happened on this past monday in SoHo where I work. After going to work, I had an episode of nausea after apparently eating something bad the day before, So I left work early and tried to book it to the subway and back to brooklyn where I could be a tore up mess in my own room. But I only got three blocks before I was doubled in pain puking in a garbage can.  An older man with a thick new york accent was walking by and offered me some “celtza whaata” or some “gingah ale” and then quickly ran into a restaurant and got me a ginger ale and napkins. he proceeded to take me to a nearby park and encourage me to sip the ginger ale and stay away from the subway for a while.

I was very surprised to see that I had all my things and that he genuinely wanted to help. maybe he had a daughter my age, but regardless, he was a new yorker and he was nice.