conned in new york

Lots of pending posts but this one is urgent.

The first person I speak to in NYC turns out to be a con-man! And I get to be the lucky victim!

We were standing in the taxi line for what felt like an eternity when a nicely dressed man comes promising us a ride to our hotel. The relieved me followed him down the street and the rest of the process of his con-act is too painful to describe. In short, this man made $40 in less than 5 minutes and vanished in thin air. Thankfully he left us with all our luggage and a taxi with an old Pakistani driver. I sat through the long ride feeling almost more stupid than ever before.

My first taste of the big city. I felt so exposed - so vulnerable. The many cars, people and big buildings reminded me about life back in Delhi - where a lost life is nothing extraordinary. Such a scary feeling. But I also dreamed of a day when I will know this city like the back of my hand - when I will know who to trust and how to survive. It is so alive. I think I should be ready for it in about three years time :)