Last Friday we celebrated our first week in NYC by staying home and relaxing in front of the TV. Not the most remarkable evening, but after a week of intense first impressions,we both needed to rest our weary bodies.
Saturday morning was a Skype marathon - nice to keep up with all the mischief at home!
We were just starting to get ready for a brunch date at 12:30h, when our broker called. (Yes, it's normal for people to work on a Saturday.)
He needed us to meet our future landlord TODAY, at 13:00h with a money order for the first months rent, otherwise we would lose our flat. Say WHAT?!
11:45h We grabbed all cash at hand and started counting.
12:00h Ran out the door to the subway station - quick stop at a bank for more cash
12:20h Arrived at Grand Central Station - started looking for the post office
12:30h Post office - stood in line for the money order (you pay them, they give you a "cheque" for the recipient) - mantra: hurry, hurry, hurry
12:50h Rushed out into the street to hail a taxi - nearly killed by a taxi
13:00h on the dot, arrived in front of our future flat
13:30h Smiles all round and we were dropped off at our brunch date (one hour late)
13:45h first drink of the day. Aaah.
It wasn't over though!
We had agreed to provide a bank cheque for a full year's rent by tomorrow Tuesday.
At home we realised how impossible that was going to be: Swiss banks do not work weekends and US banks are closed today Monday - it's the day after Veteran's Day, everyone is out shopping.
No problem you'd think, let's just call them up and arrange to meet on Wednesday. Then we can sign the lease and hand over the cheque. It's only one day later.
Ah, no.
Not possible. Gives a bad first impression if you can't deliver what you promised.
Thank goodness we are exactly 6 hours behind Switzerland. The time difference will work in our favour and make this happen, we hope!