I don't know why, I've been to New York before, it's just a big city, but my mental impression of it is that it is just like Gotham City: Filled with people out to get you.
I'm moving to New York next week with a backpack, carry-on suitcase, and large luggage. I have this really irrational fear that after I get off the plane at JFK, get onto the subway-train, from the ride to Brooklynn, to getting off, to walking to my friend's place where I'm staying temporarily, some one is going to try and mug me, and since I'm carrying all this shit with hands filled, i'm going to have no way to respond. Also, I'm going to be like a giant target, since I have all the shit in my hands.
Could someone allay my fear ~_~ I'm generally not a pussy, but I feel like I'm going to be trudging along so slowly that someone is bound to make a pass, even in the daylight.
Also, if anyone wants to meet up and talk about starcraft, chess, writing, or magic am definitely in the mood to meet some new friends! (Seeing as how I currently know ~0 people)
And where do you come from ? I'm also impressed by (relative) big cities, when I must live there, since I usualy live in the countryside... Try to find on the net some stories about cool places you could go regularly, you should meet people as soon as possible. Tell yourself that many people must envy you I wish you good luck !
I, as a tourist, can confirm that it's pretty safe to go around with luggage and whatnot.
Last year, around new years eve, I went to NY, I stayed in Brooklyn too (stuveysant, near Myrtle Ave station, Kosciuzko St).
It was ok, I went from the Airport to brooklyn twice, with luggage, my macbook pro, my dad's iPad, his laptop and an insane amount of stuff we bought while on the trip and we were fine.
If anything it's the exact opposite in a big city. No one the fuck cares who you are and can't be bothered to steal your stuff unless you're unreal stupid or antagonistic. Enjoy your stint in NYC.
On August 06 2013 19:42 1Dhalism wrote: i've been mugged twice in my 12 years here. It's definitely a very safe place to live.
I actually can't tell if that's sarcasm or not.
No not sarcasm. Once every 6 years? I think that's a good ratio. No?
That's a terrible ratio! By mugged, do you mean somebody threatening you (e.g. with a weapon) and taking your stuff or do you mean, you just suddenly noticed that your wallet was missing?? I've lived in a city of about 1 mio people for 10 years and I've never been mugged and also know only a single person out of hundreds who has been lucky enough to get mugged...
I live in NYC and you should not worry about it. I guess it does depend on what part of Brooklyn you are traveling to but i have a few friends who live there and have never been mugged or known anyone who has been mugged. If you walk around looking over your shoulder the entire time you might stand out, so just look pissed off and you will fit right in. If you are traveling in the daytime, you should not worry at all.
Just learn what parts of the city to avoid and stay out of central park at night. If you're living in the hipster part of Brooklyn then you'll be fine, otherwise just be careful walking around by yourself at night. A little common sense goes a long way.
On August 06 2013 19:42 1Dhalism wrote: i've been mugged twice in my 12 years here. It's definitely a very safe place to live.
I actually can't tell if that's sarcasm or not.
No not sarcasm. Once every 6 years? I think that's a good ratio. No?
That's a terrible ratio! By mugged, do you mean somebody threatening you (e.g. with a weapon) and taking your stuff or do you mean, you just suddenly noticed that your wallet was missing?? I've lived in a city of about 1 mio people for 10 years and I've never been mugged and also know only a single person out of hundreds who has been lucky enough to get mugged...
once at a gun point once with a bottle over the head.
I just walk around like im pissed off at the world and looking for someone to unleash on and i tend to get left alone.
Got mugged once in the UK (london) round the corner from my house though, 3 black dudes saw me come out of a shop with a new pack of ciggaretes and didnt take kindly to me only giving them one. Christmas eve too, Merry Xmas :D
You'll be fine, dont go to quiet areas / dodgy places and your golden.
On August 06 2013 19:42 1Dhalism wrote: i've been mugged twice in my 12 years here. It's definitely a very safe place to live.
I actually can't tell if that's sarcasm or not.
No not sarcasm. Once every 6 years? I think that's a good ratio. No?
Rocking a 0 in 24 years spending a lot of time in Montreal. Even once would piss me off pretty bad.
in russia where i was born kids would try to take my money every time i went out without my mates. Granted i was a kid 15> so it was a lot less serious, but it was somewhat of a nuisance nonetheless.
Keep singing that everything is gonna be allright. It helps. Or else spend the money on a cab, sure you pay more,sometimes its worth the extra bucks for peace of mind. Because its all in your head. Anything can happen anywhere at any time and in any place, in my experience the more you worry (after taking basic logic precautions) the more bad shit happens. The more you chill the more nothing happens
On August 07 2013 04:55 pebble444 wrote: Dude if it makes you so unconfortable
Keep singing that everything is gonna be allright. It helps. Or else spend the money on a cab, sure you pay more,sometimes its worth the extra bucks for peace of mind. Because its all in your head. Anything can happen anywhere at any time and in any place, in my experience the more you worry (after taking basic logic precautions) the more bad shit happens. The more you chill the more nothing happens
You're right, it's always 50/50 anywhere It either happens or it doesn't
Just completely ignore the mugger and walk past him. He'll think you're crazy and leave you alone.
Besides, what's the worst that could happen?
Edit: I remember now, my dad got mugged at a gas station. He just had 20 bucks on him so that's all they took. He said the muggers were a bunch of black people in a van. Lucky he didn't lose anything else.
Have been living in New York for 6 years now. Have never been mugged and have never been in a situation where I felt really unsafe. It is really quite a safe place, except for few places.
If you arrive during the day than you have nothing to worry about. Subway is full of people and actually many tourist take subway to get to the city. You will not be the only one traveling with luggage. If you are arriving late at night than take a super shuttle. It costs about $30 and will get you exactly to the spot you want. It can take much longer than a cab but it is half the price.
Unless you're going to Brownsville or East New York, theres nothing to really worry about. I have witnessed petty theft a handful of times in my 20 years of residing in NYC and Brooklyn, unless you live in a utopia continue dreaming.
edit: Let me restate that, I was born in New York City and raised in Brooklyn.
Carry around a flare gun. You don't need a permit, and in close range they can be quite effective. Especially if you're just planning on gunning and running.
EPT
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