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Here is a picture of the view I USED to have here at UNICEF. This picture was taking on the roof at the beginning of the Summer. This is also where I was standing early Tuesday morning. I had gotten a phone call, telling me that a plane had hit one of the towers. I hung up and ran to the roof. I was watching the fire and great amount of smoke coming from the north tower. I was one of 3 people up on the roof. We were talking when all of a sudden we saw this tremendous explosion in the south tower. I was in shock. I cant believe I just saw that. By this time there were more and more people coming up to the roof to watch. At this point I had no idea what was going on because I just had gotten off the phone, and hurried to the roof. The people start telling me that those planes were hijacked, and that there are more planes in the air. It wasn't to much later when I saw police coming to the UN building, getting out of the cars in a way you usually see in the movies. A quick stop, doors left open, and the officers running to the guard booth. At this point I am still in shock, but there was a voice inside that said "Get the fuck out of Manhattan".

I went down to my office, called my boss, and told him I was leaving. I locked my door, and left the building, but I did not know where to go. I thought it wouldn't be a good idea to go to Penn station, so I went to my home office, which is just a block away. It was there that I learned the Pentagon was hit too. That voice inside my head was now making a lot of sense. I had made some phone calls, telling people that I was ok. I had heard that the city was shut down, and no bridges or tunnels were open. I really didn't know what to do. I was pacing in the office, listening to the radio. I had this overwhelming need to get out. I decided to go to the 59th street bridge and see for myself. While walking up to the bridge, I passed a bar that had its doors open, and TVs on. I watched in horror as the first tower collapsed. That little voice was screaming now, and I left the bar and continued to the bridge. To my surprise, it was open, not only to pedestrians, but also to cars. This is where I was amazed. I was ready to walk across but I didn't need to . Every car that was heading out was pulling over to pick people up. I got into a minivan, with a bunch of other strangers, and was across in 10 mins. Say what you want about New Yorkers, but when the shit hits the fan, we come together.

I got out of the van, and started to walk towards Northern Blvd. The traffic eastbound (out of the city) was tremendous. I kept walking. I just wanted to get as far away as I could. All the time, looking back at the smoke blanketing the city. After about 2 hours of walking, I got into a cab, and headed to my girlfriends job. It was here where I saw an F-15 fighter screaming thru the sky. I thought I'd never see that in NY. Since then I have seen a few fighters, here and there, but somewhat disturbing is watching it from the back deck of my house. That used to be my sanctuary. A place where I can go to watch the water and seagulls, and the boats pass by. Not anymore. It just doesn't have that soothing effect anymore. I feel kinda dull. Sort of emotionless.

Having said this, I am one of the fortunate ones. Everyone I know and love, made it out alive. And I know people that were much closer than I.

There is one thing that I have noticed that is a positive. Everyone seems to be much nicer now. More patient. Especially on the road. Even I am incredibly nice. And for those that know me, I am the King of Road Rage. Ok, maybe not the King, but definitely the Prince. I just hope it stays that way.

This is just one of millions of stories from September 11th. I hope I never see anything like this again. I will never be the same.

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2002-08-20