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Cursed I don't know what it is. I must have a gullible look about me or something. Perhaps it's because I spent two summers in my teen years squished in a little booth, offering direction and literature to the wayward traveler, but people are always stopping me on the street for directions. It's not just a once every six months kinda thing - it actually happens pretty much everytime I walk to or from someplace. The latest incident turned a bit weird. I was walking home from work. It was a balmy minus one and I was basking in the mid-January break from extreme temperatures. At a busy downtown corner, I was waiting for the light to change. I met eyes with a young man. I knew he was going to ask. “Excuse me. Do you know where I can find Bay Street?” “Sure. Bay Street is just one block that way.” “Oh thank you.” “Sure.” The light changed and we both began walking toward Bay Street. Since we were both walking in the same direction, and had exchanged meaningful conversation once, the man proceeded to talk to me all the way to Bay Street. “It's a beautiful day out, isn't it?” “Yes, that's why I'm walking home from work.” “Oh, you work in this area?” “Yes.” “I just started a job here.” “Oh.” “Do you know where I'm from?” “...” “I'm from China!” Big grin. “Oh.” “Not really. I'm from Africa.” “Ok.” “Where are you from?” “Here.” “Oh. I see.” We are approaching the corner at Bay Street. “We should go for a drink sometime.” “...” “I don't know very many people in Canada. You seem nice. I'll give you my phone number.” He grapples around and pulls out pen and paper and writes his number down. He asks me to read it back to him so that he knows I've got it right. “So you'll call me, then? Can I get your number?” “I don't feel comfortable giving you my number.” “Oh.” Big smile. I take the piece of paper with his number on it and we part ways. All the way home I fold and unfold the piece of paper in my fingers. I can't believe it. It's happened again. Catherine Thomson's good sense of direction helps her keep on top of things as a new media project manager.
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