You'll find it, you can't miss it.

There are people in this city who carry compasses, another verification of my theory that living here is one long hike in the woods. Like hikers, we have to carry much of what we will need for the day. Carrying maps, water and extra clothing as well as several forms of money, transfer cards and other essential documents, the New Yorker on the street is not so different from the traveler who is between hostels in some Irish outer county. He must have some kind of self-containment or perhaps fall victim to those providers of what he lacks. The compass carriers are doing two things, they are hauling something which can provide accurate information. (Okay, so that way must be East.) And they avoiding the dreaded 'need to ask directions' dilemma.

A New Yorker knows that other New Yorkers love to give directions. It's been said, once they know you are no threat or some kind of stalker freak, New Yorkers are the most helpful people on the planet. Perhaps too helpful, because they will help you find your way even if they haven't got a clue where you are going. Hence the dilemma, for a New Yorker knows that other New Yorkers will give directions even if they don't know what they hell they are talking about. You will never hear a New Yorker say "I don't know how to get there." They will ponder, they will think it out, they will remember that their uncle Marty used to hang out near the neighborhood the questioner is seeking, they will come up with an answer.

How do I get to Greenpoint?
"You take the N or the R to Union Square and then change, ask at the booth, maybe it's different now."
Where is John Street?
"It's way downtown, near Vesey, I think, it crosses Broadway, but down there everything crosses Broadway so you will have to look. Take the number one train down to like Prince and you'll find it."

I'm trying to find Madison Square Park, not Madison Square Garden, Park.
"Go down Fifth or Broadway until you see the Flatiron Building. It's across the street. Oh, and the New York Life Tower is down there all lit up too. You can't miss it."

The intrepid New Yorker glances at the subway maps near the booth and checks his compass at the top of the stairs. He strides off towards the lighthouse beacon shining in the night.