October 19, 2006
This is the part of which I was afraid most in my journey. The task was simple, I had to pick a taxi from Seattle airport to timberlawn apartment, Redmond from where I had to collect the key of my temp. apartment which was also supposed to be at timberlawn. But for me, a girl from small town, it was a big task to take a cab to the apartment, in a completely new country with different people where I didn't kew anyone. I can travel alone at 12:00pm in mumbai, but tat time traveling alone at 5:00 seemed to be tough. My recruiter and relocation specialist assured me tat it is a nice city and its really safe and it may also happen tat I may got a sardar taxi driver. But still I was afraid.
After reaching airport, I tried to call friends here, but both were busy and no reply. Then, I took a taxi to timberlawn, Redmond. The taxi driver was a muslim from philistine. He was talkitive, talking continuously whole way, asking questions about me, which increased my tension. The reason may be I m not talkitive and friendly. Anyways, I had driving directions with me, but could not follow it properly. If I found some signs which were mentioned in direction, i felt relaxed. Finally we entered 40th street and reached timberlawn apartment. I felt relieved. The taxi driver was nice person, he asked me check the keys first but I paid him and told him tat its fine, i will do tat. I picked the keys and ready to find the apartment.
But, this is not the end, a new bigger problem was waiting for me. My temporary apartment had been changed from timberlawn to trails of redmond. I was completely lost again, it was above 7:00 pm, timberlawn office had been closed, and its dark outside. I had contact number of friends, whom I may call if i would lost, but there wasn't any coin box. The taxi had gone. I cursed myself for not checking the key before leaving taxi.
I found a guy there whom I asked the direction, bu he also didn't knew it. I checked key packed again and thankfully found a map. Trails of Redmond is near timberlawn at the same 40th street. I started walking towards my destination with 2 trolley bags in my hands, one shoulder bag and a handbag.
It was dark with no one on roads, just few cars running. Unlike India, apartmenst r at distant, no one walking on road, no one standing outside their apartment. It was really a lifetime experience for me. After walking enough, I could not found trails of redmond. I got too many thoughts in a couple of second. Wat if I could not found it ? There wasn't any phone or shop from where I could call anyone. While thinking all these, I was walking alone towards my destination. I crossed two microsoft campus entrance, but no one there also.
After walking few more minutes, I saw the board of trails of redmond at other side of the road. I was too happy & relieved. My apartmenst was near entrance. After entering in my apartment I got life again. Feeling safe and happy. No more afraid of new place.
I forgot to buy calling card from Airport, so called friend here to inform my parents. Cooked noodles and coffee and slept. But, it was a nice adventure for me [:)].
This is the part of which I was afraid most in my journey. The task was simple, I had to pick a taxi from Seattle airport to timberlawn apartment, Redmond from where I had to collect the key of my temp. apartment which was also supposed to be at timberlawn. But for me, a girl from small town, it was a big task to take a cab to the apartment, in a completely new country with different people where I didn't kew anyone. I can travel alone at 12:00pm in mumbai, but tat time traveling alone at 5:00 seemed to be tough. My recruiter and relocation specialist assured me tat it is a nice city and its really safe and it may also happen tat I may got a sardar taxi driver. But still I was afraid.
After reaching airport, I tried to call friends here, but both were busy and no reply. Then, I took a taxi to timberlawn, Redmond. The taxi driver was a muslim from philistine. He was talkitive, talking continuously whole way, asking questions about me, which increased my tension. The reason may be I m not talkitive and friendly. Anyways, I had driving directions with me, but could not follow it properly. If I found some signs which were mentioned in direction, i felt relaxed. Finally we entered 40th street and reached timberlawn apartment. I felt relieved. The taxi driver was nice person, he asked me check the keys first but I paid him and told him tat its fine, i will do tat. I picked the keys and ready to find the apartment.
But, this is not the end, a new bigger problem was waiting for me. My temporary apartment had been changed from timberlawn to trails of redmond. I was completely lost again, it was above 7:00 pm, timberlawn office had been closed, and its dark outside. I had contact number of friends, whom I may call if i would lost, but there wasn't any coin box. The taxi had gone. I cursed myself for not checking the key before leaving taxi.
I found a guy there whom I asked the direction, bu he also didn't knew it. I checked key packed again and thankfully found a map. Trails of Redmond is near timberlawn at the same 40th street. I started walking towards my destination with 2 trolley bags in my hands, one shoulder bag and a handbag.
It was dark with no one on roads, just few cars running. Unlike India, apartmenst r at distant, no one walking on road, no one standing outside their apartment. It was really a lifetime experience for me. After walking enough, I could not found trails of redmond. I got too many thoughts in a couple of second. Wat if I could not found it ? There wasn't any phone or shop from where I could call anyone. While thinking all these, I was walking alone towards my destination. I crossed two microsoft campus entrance, but no one there also.
After walking few more minutes, I saw the board of trails of redmond at other side of the road. I was too happy & relieved. My apartmenst was near entrance. After entering in my apartment I got life again. Feeling safe and happy. No more afraid of new place.
I forgot to buy calling card from Airport, so called friend here to inform my parents. Cooked noodles and coffee and slept. But, it was a nice adventure for me [:)].
wow ! I hadn't known this - sounds scary. I guess now that the adventure is over, this will remain as a nice memory of your "exciting" time first time in the US :)
ReplyDeleteRemember this story to tell your granchildren ! :)
yeah...
ReplyDeletei m missing tat adventure now [:(]... life became monotonous & routine.