lost in Dallas

Well, I had a horrible experience yesterday. I left Ft. Worth heading straight to Dallas. It should have been a 45 minute drive and from what I was told, a straight shot. Instead it took me all of 2 1/2 hrs.

I ended up in this part of town that gave me a chill down my spine. The sun would be setting soon and I needed gas. I also knew that I had to ask directions, again. I ended up on a street called Harry Hines. As I stepped out of my car a guy appeared in front of me and told me I was in the wrong place. I told him it was only a convenience store but that I was lost. He said I should get my gas quickly and head out. Then pointed me, in what I'd hoped, was the right direction.

30 minutes later I was still going around loops, accidentlly taking off roads and still not finding my desired location. I was so upset that I didn't take a map. But this was supposed to be easy. The girl at the furniture store where I was heading gave me directions and a hour and a half later, it was apparent that she forgot something. My only other friend, who lived in Dallas, cell phone was on the fritz. I couldn't call him. Everyone else I knew was from another state, working in DFW like I was so, getting directions from them would be impossible, besides most were at work. I was now so upset that I began to feel sick. Then I thought about that guy I met the Sunday before last. I knew we hadn't made the connection that I had hoped for but he said he was a student and was available all the time. I had his number in my cell phone. Please! Oh please! I begged him silently to answer his phone. I know I must have sounded desperate, I thought he might not answer it seeing as it was me and he'd already told me he didn't want to see me again because I was separated and not wanting a long term relationship. I prayed he would answer out of curiosity at best. He didn't. I left him a message saying I was lost and hoped he would call me back and get me the heck out of where I was. No such luck.

I was now 2 hrs into what should have been a 45 minute trip. I am a confidant and controlled person and yet now I found myself frightened and uneasy. I no longer wanted to go to the furniture store. Now, all I wanted to do was get home. I was also getting very hungry. So, I stopped in a place called "The Fox and the Hound". The manager came over and gave me what seemed to be very easy directions. He was cute too. We hit it off and I actually began to feel like maybe there was a reason for all of this. Then again I was somewhat delirious from all the excitement I had created for myself on this odd quick trip to Dallas.

This time when I got in my car I felt more confidant. He said I was only 6 miles away from my location. When I told him about my experience on Harry Hines Road he scowled and said I definitely shouldn't have gotten off there because that was where all the hookers hung out. The look on my face must have been humorous because he burst out laughing and said I must have looked like a fish out of water. I thanked him for the off handed compliment; he walked me to my car and said he wished he could drive me there. I told him I did too but then noticed the ring that shone on his wedding finger. Such is luck! I got in my car and went on my way. Finally, at 8pm I arrived at my destination.

What I went through was awful and I was really apprehensive about driving back. Fortunately it was a hop and a skip and I was on my way home. Of course, I found out that the original directions I was given were way off but that wasn't surprising considering the outcome.

Dallas was beautiful at night. The lights form halos all over the city. I am from a small town so, seeing this city at night was a pleasure. Much more so than driving in the daylight hours. It only took me 45 minutes to get home.

I don't know if I will ever go to Dallas again. But today I know I will never leave my house again with directions from anyone. I will take a map.

Mapquest.com can be your best friend ever... I *NEVER* take directions... I always plot it out.

I have had that happen to me so many times as well in Dallas, so have to laugh at your story, sorry! :eek: I hate going there, and avoid it as much as possible. Would rather drive in Houston than Dallas.....I have friends on 75N, so go the back way only, via 82 and down 75. Longer but safer. ;) Anywhere on 35 is crazy, they will run you off the road for sure (the red necks in pick ups and the soccer moms in their SUVs).

God, I can't imagine where your directions were taking you, but you can't go either north or south or east or west for very long in most of Dallas without finding an interstate.

I, too, use mapquest for a general guide, but I have found their directions may take me a very long way to get where I want to go. So I just use them for reference. I have never found it difficult to get around here and hate trying to get around in Houston . . . not so much because the roads are difficult, but because the traffic is much worse than here and the people are not nearly as friendly.

And yes, Harry Hines, is not a place you really want to be alone! Although, it's not nearly as bad as it once was.

I am sorry you had this experience and that it has soured your taste of Dallas. But I guess I might be the same way about Fort Worth . . . don't go there very much.

Hope you got a great deal at the furniture store! :D

Actually I work at the one in ftworth I was just visiting the dallas store.