E86 and York - My Client's Maid

"The best lobster is in Rhode Island," according to the Maid. When the elderly woman before me craves them, she hops in her car and drives the distance for a fresh catch of Rhode Island lobster perfectly steamed. Then she drives back to the City.

Her eyes widen behind her wire frame glasses as I reveal that I am an avid outdoorsman. "You have to go to Maine!" she blurts out. "I take day trips to Maine every month." As she fills me in on all of the hiking trails and vista points of Acadia National Park, I was fascinated by the vision of this compact bundle of energy (she is barely 5 feet tall) driving several hours away to hike in Maine and then return to New York.

"I can't drive as far as I used to anymore," she said with a slight hint of disappointment. "The most I do these days is the 8 hour drive to Ohio to visit my friends for the weekend." I suddenly realize her trips were never really about the destination. Her fulfillment in life came from the journey itself.

I compliment her on her ability to endure the endless asphalt of the American highway and begin my four avenue trek to the 4/5/6 train.