15 August 2003
blackout 2003
Yesterday around 4pm I boarded, the 114 bus to New York from my job. I was to arrive early so I could pick up a pass to see Liz Phair et al at a special VH1 shindig. Around 4:28pm I get a call from my sister telling me that there was a blackout and all New York City, New Jersey, Long Island, Staten Island was out of power. I didn't know how serious it was until I got in the tunnel. My mother then calls me (how the heck did I get connection in the tunnel?!) to let me know how serious it was. I got out of the tunnel and then I saw the traffic and massive crowds of people walking. Our bus driver didn't have a clue what was going on. We were told to get off the bus because Port Authority is closed from another bus driver. I made friends with a fellow who was on the same bus I was on. We decided to stick together and make sure we both got home. There were crowds everywhere. People were standing in front of Port Authority with luggages, babies crying, the heat blazing up above and no electricity.
We headed towards the west village and hung out there for a while. We found out that we could take the ferry back to Jersey. The ferry was on 38th Street. I dreaded walking back up to midtown. I was not wearing sensible shoes so my feet were a wreck. After a bite to eat we made the trip back up to 38th. When we arrive at the ferry, I was shocked to see the crowd. I felt like I was at a Michael Jackson concert. It was insane. We asked a few cops about the situation and were informed that the ferry will be closing soon. It was 9:30pm. The buses, who were running free, were overcrowded. We walked back towards West 4th again. Kevin was able to get us a ride. After checking with my family about my current situation, I lost track of Kevin. Alone in the city with no lights, no phone (damn you t-mobile!), no ride and no loose change.
I walked and walked and walked. My feet were swollen and my spirits down. People were drinking too much and getting rowdy. I made a judgment call and headed towards the Williamsburg Bridge.
I got back to Jersey today around 10pm. To help me unwind tonight, I'll be watching a fantastic movie (early birthday gift) and having some beverages of the alcoholic nature.
I also need to comment on Bush. Stop it with the I told you so's. Jeez!
I survived the Blackout of 2003.... Now where's my t-shirt?
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