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Well, when our computers started to flicker at 3:30, I thought it was my eyes. Then blooie-- - darkness except for a few emergency lights. We waited around for a few minutes to see if the power would come back on, but it soon became apparent that we were in the midst of a blackout.

First hurdle...evacuate the building. That meant descending from the 45th floor. On the way to the stairs, we could hear the emergency alarms inside the elevators. There were people stuck inside. By the time we arrived at the lobby, my knees were shaking. I had a couple of heavy bags to carry which I did not want to leave behind.

I then had to decide the next step. That was to take the ferry to N.J. Since I had never taken the ferry from downtown, I soon found out I had plenty of walking to do to get there. About half of the way, I took my shoes off. I was wearing new leather flip flops and they gave me some nasty blisters. I soon found myself on a mile long line in the blazing sun barefoot. I was on that line for over an hour. Finally got a ferry and was home by 6:30. I was one of the lucky ones.

I couldn't get in touch with my daughter who was working at NY Sports Club. Both their lines and her cell phone was down. We finally made contact at about 7:30. She wound up staying in N.Y. with friends at their apartment up near Columbia University. I don't know exactly what time the power was restored here in NJ. I kept wakimg up every couple of hours. I think it came back on around 5:30 AM. It was tough trying to sleep in this heat.

I just heard that only 20% of the power has been restored in NYC. The subways are not running, Port Authority bus terminal is not open, but the tunnels are open. I tried calling my firm's emergency numbers, but the lines are down. I guess I'll be staying home today.

Whew! I finally found you on this massive thread. Glad to hear you and Noelita are OK.

What a story... I kinda figured you had one! I'm amazed you made it home by 6:30... you definitely made the right decision in taking that ferry.