How to Get Lost with Confidence: A Guide to Navigating a Large City

Good Morning, London Fashionators! American Fashionators: sweet dreams!

I'm on the tube going to work! Happy Friday!!

While walking the short half mile to the underground station, a man stopped me and asked for directions in a frazzled tone. I, of course, had no idea where the place was. I get lost in my hometown (where I lived for 18 years) of maybe 15,000 people. Directions in London? There's a 99.99% chance I can't help you. I would say 100%, but everything is possible, as I learned in statistics class last semester. 

I don't care that he asked; it's actually flattering he believed I was a Londoner. I did however, notice the lack of confidence in his voice. Huge mistake. This was the perfect opportunity to post about how go get lost (and un-lost) in a big city! 

Step1: Travel somewhere where you had no map, no wifi, and no clue. 

Step 2: Be lost (this is the easiest step).

Step 3: Be Confident. This is the perfect time to try on the Anna Wintour look: Large sunglasses (indoors or out) and confidence.  If you don't look lost, you won't feel lost- and others won't feel notice that you're lost. This is actually important for keeping you safe from being mugged or harassed. Don't stand in the middle of the side walk gawking at a map or your phone; this provides an opportunity crime for others. 

Step 4: Move. you should have been doing this the entire time, but in case it's not obvious (and it really isn't when you're lost in a big city alone), keep going! Direction doesn't matter! If you're in a big city, you will find an underground station or bus stop in, at most, a few blocks. 

Step 5: Start scoping out where you need to go. This can be stopping at a coffee shop to get wifi if you're in an international country, getting on the tube and finding your way from there (hop on a train. Doesn't matter which one. There'll be a map inside.), or just getting into a cab and confidently saying "To 123 Lost Lane!" (but give them a real address. A fake one may result in extremely high cab fare and getting even more lost).

Step 6: Find a familiar place or face. Really dreadfully lost? Use WiFi to send a text, email, or message to someone in the country and ask for directions. Alternatively, find a familiar place and find your away around from there. 

Step 7: Become un-lost! You've done it! You've found your way to your destination (or if you're like me, just given up and gone back to where you're staying and poured yourself a glass of wine).

Just Remember: No matter what you do, even if it's becoming lost, do it with poise and confidence! 

xo 

BJordan