METROPOLITAN DIARY
Shooshan Danagoulian

New York Times
June 23 2008
NY

A few years ago in May, my husband and I, newlyweds, were heading
to Kennedy Airport to our honeymoon. It was to be a trip around the
world, visiting our families in Armenia, Malaysia and Taiwan. It was
also our last trip out of New York, as the last leg of the journey
would take us to our new home in Philadelphia.

With our suitcases packed, we waited for the van service we had
ordered. It never showed up. With some time to spare, we decided to
head for the subway. After two stations, all trains stopped because of
an incident on the tracks. We were both tired, sore and frustrated. By
then, we were running late, and as we hailed a cab, we were hoping
for miracle to ferry us through the midafternoon Manhattan traffic.

I noticed that the cabdriver was Armenian. Excited, I told the driver
that I was also Armenian, and that the flight we were trying to catch
would take us to Armenia, so that I could introduce my husband to my
homeland. Thrilled, the driver promised to get us to the flight on
time, and delighted us with stories of the many years of his marriage
as we swiftly maneuvered through traffic.

We made it to the flight, and went on to have a spectacular and
adventurous honeymoon. What a memorable cab ride! What an amazing
way to say goodbye to New York!