Overheard in New York enjoys the guy who gives directions on how to get to
Essex Street (
link):
Tourist guy: How do I get to Essex Street from here?
New Yorker guy: Go down about seven or eight blocks, make a left, and ask somebody there.
Cute, but two things. One, in Italy this is standard. Ask how to get anywhere and the responder will wave a hand in a general direction and say “avanti!” Which means, go that way for a while and then ask somebody else.
Two, I think it is pretty good advice. The questioner here was at Second Avenue and Saint Mark’s Place. A more comprehensive response would have been:
New York guy: Drive, walk, subway or bus?
Tourist guy: Um, walk, I guess, unless…
New York guy: Well, where on Essex Street?
Tourist guy (fumbling through his guide): Number 90.
New York guy: What’s the cross street?
Tourist guy: Um, I have no idea ...
New York guy: Well if it is near Delancy you go down, let me see, six, seven, eight—no, I think ten—no, nine—blocks, and then you turn left and go, um, six—no maybe ten—let me count…
Tourist guy, disappearing down Second Avenue: got it, thanks!
Translated: way too much information, bro. I go down about seven or eight blocks, make a left, and ask somebody down there.
Which is just exactly what New York guy said.
