New York City started the year with blizzards... This week kicked off with an Earthquake... Then on Wednesday I learnt that Irene was coming. It feels like somebody somewhere in the city has upset mother nature. And she is mad.
When reading about the Hurricane I quickly found out that my apartment Downtown was in Zone A, that meant that we were going to be hit the worst. Evacuations were likely, if not certain. Damn.
The Mayor announced yesterday after lunch that Zone A would indeed be under mandatory evacuations - E, R and I had to get out. With the Subway shutting down from noon the next day it was important we sorted ourselves out soon. With 250,000 New Yorkers evacuated it was going to be a fight for a place to stay. Evacuation centres are not known to be safe places and hotels were booking out fast. R was on the phone fast and managed to score rooms are the Westin Times Square. Phew.
Of course Potato was concerned when he learnt we were being evacuated and quickly offered space for us in his midtown his apartment.
Me: "Its Ok, Renault managed to get us into a hotel"
Potato: "Oh.. I can't even get girls into my apartment when there are mandatory evacuations.."
Sorry Potato...
A little anxious about having to leave our home E, R and I packed up and left first thing this morning. Downtown was dead. The only people on the streets had suitcases and were scurrying to escape. The Subway was closing soon and rides were free of charge to assist The mood on the subway was somber. Everyone seemed a little apprehensive. A journalist took photos of the very few riders and tried to interview an angry looking lady.
Times Square was a little better - at least there were people around. Everyone is scrambling for food and lining up outside the few open stores. McDonald's, Starbucks and Duane Reade are all closed. Planet Hollywood is boarded up.
Its being reported that the storms will start this evening and Irene will hit at 3am. For now, I have power, water and cookies and I'm ready to see how this adventure plays out! I might be an a self proclaimed adventurer.. but this hotel sure is no cave in the jungle. Might just have to go and check it out.
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