Bad Day at Bush Terminal
October 13, 2007 at 8:05 pm 7 comments
I’m writing this from the same room I was in last night at the Hampton Inn in Linden, NJ. It’s a nice room but certainly not where I want to be.
I won’t call it misrepresentation but the storage facility in Bush Terminal (Sunset Park) was nothing like the image projected by the website. It was a decrepit old building (a gun factory in WWII) and the storage rooms were dark pits with only a single bulb in a ceiling fixture. We’re talking 15-amp service here.
It looked like there might be a solution but it was not to be. While I was waiting for some one to come back with a flashlight I noticed light at the end of the corridor. There was a large “picture” window and adequate space for the plant racks. Perhaps this was the “light at the end of the tunnel.” Unfortunately, I learned that city building inspectors will not allow any material in the aisles. End of that idea.
I took the time to get to know Ruben from Ecuador, the guy who manages the spaces for the owner. He understood my need and acknowledged that not only was it dark but that the building got cold inside if the weather outside turned cold and windy. He is a guy who likes plants in his yard and in his home. He gave me a lead on another building nearby but there was no one there. Having this happen on a weekend is bad timing.
Finding a hotel room in Brooklyn (with parking) when you’re pushing a 26’ truck around is problematic so that prompted the decision to drive back over the Verrazano Bridge to the Hampton Inn to rest and regroup. I’m trying to understand why this project is so difficult.
BFN, BB
Entry filed under: Cross County To Brooklyn. Tags: .
1.
Heather | October 17, 2007 at 2:33 pm
I can’t believe you’re actually in NJ/NY! I’m glad your journey across the country was without any major mishaps. You should write a book, something like ‘On the Road,’ Kerouac style….
So how many plants do you need to store? Should I contact some people I know out there to give you a hand? I’d like to see you find a place for your plants and settle in to a decent place to live. Anyway, I know several young people in NY who could recommend storage facilities.
Congratulations on achieving your dream – a trip you’ve been talking about for many years. Keep us posted.
2.
Heather | October 17, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Have you asked Bob and Andrew for advice or suggestions?
3.
Heather | October 17, 2007 at 2:51 pm
I tried posting this, but it didn’t show up on your blog. You could try posting your plants at freecycle.org. Check out these websites.
http://malaysia.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071009152150AA6XQYW
http://www.freecycle.org/
4.
Heather | October 17, 2007 at 2:51 pm
I tried posting this, but it didn’t show up on your blog. You could try posting your plants at freecycle.org. Check out these websites.
5.
Heather | October 17, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Well, I tried posting some other websites, but your blob wouldn’t let me. Just check out freecycle.org. Sorry to clutter your comment section.
6.
greenscaper | October 17, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Hey, hey Heather…clutter away. It’s good to hear from you and thank for your helpful suggestions. They are very much appreciated.
Condolences rather than congratulations are probably more appropriate right now. This trip has been a trial of a lifetime and a nightmare rather than a dream…but the opera ain’t over til the fat lady sings. I may write about it later on but it will read like fiction.
I’ve pumped out a lot of emails with little to show for it. You’d think I was Bubonic Bob rather than Greenscaper. IMO, something is wrong with the communications in our society when a citizen who is trying to do some good is shined on. I don’t get it.
I also wrote the NYTimes a while ago. I’ll forward a copy to you along with my generic email plea for help. It explains the plant storage needs.
I’d love to make contact with your Brooklyn friends. Thanks for offering.
Northern NJ is like living in a foreign country. So Californians have no idea how much immigration has occurred around here. NJ is a “no self-serve” gas state. The stations all have attendants. I thought I took a wrong turn and drove straight through to Mumbai the first time. It’s rather hilarious. They use a lot of sign language.
I’ll check out Freecycle. It’s very close to do or ditch time. Living in a hotel room and driving a 26’ truck is getting a bit old.
After a gourmet fajita omelet at the trendy IHOP served by a Brazilian waitress who sounded more like she was from the Ukraine, I got the truck stuck in back of the building trying to loop around a too narrow driveway. After about 367 maneuvers and the help of the lady manager and one of the help I was able to extricate the truck by backing out. By taking slow baby steps there was no damage to the truck or the building with smiles all around. It was just another day in the life of trucker Bob.
7.
Tom | October 26, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Mentioned to Marya that you had arrived in NY and she said to wish you well.
Hope things pick up for you.
Best
Tom