Ghostly Help
In June of 2000 I packed a bag, hopped in my car and drove down to New Orleans on a whim. I had just finished reading Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and I was looking forward to seeing some of the places mentioned in the book. After 2 very long days in the car I arrived in New Orleans to find most of the Hotels full and no room at any of the local B&B's that would fit my budget. I finally found a room in a hostel in the French Quarter. No AC, TV or other amenities but it had a bed and was clean. After securing the room and dumping my knapsack on the bed I went out to explore the fascinating world of the French Quarter. I was so enthralled by the narrow streets with their old world charm, the lovely little art and antique shops, the out of the way cafe's with their fountained courtyards, that I didn't pay much attention to the time or the distance that I had walked. When the sun began to set I realized that I had been walking for hours and had taken no note of which way my fickle whims had taken me. I tried to find my way back to my room for a good hour and a half before I swallowed my pride and began asking passersby for a little help. Everyone I asked was polite and friendly however none could help me. Like a fool I had neglected to write down the address or number of the hostel. I was quite upset by this time and very angry at myself for getting in this situation. (Although not too upset - I have a talent for getting lost in the most charming of places.) I was about to give up and use some of my small cache of money to call for a cab when a young women approached me from the shadows of a nearby doorway. "Are you in need of help?" she asked me not unkindly. "Yes Miss," I replied "I've gotten myself lost again. Can you help me?" She laughed a little under her breath and took my hand "I can take you anywhere in New Orleans that you would care to go. I know this place very well." I was very glad to hear that and told her as much as I could about the place I was staying. She knew right away where it was and gently led me away. Within a space of no more then 20 mins. she had me right back outside my hostel. I let go of her hand, clapped in delight and turned to thank her but .... she was gone! In less then a heartbeat she had disappeared from my side. I do not know if she was a ghost or an angel or even just a very fast runner but I do know she probably saved my life. The next day I retraced my steps on a map and discovered that I had gotten lost in a section of New Orleans even the locals avoid, right near one of the major graveyards. It's funny, I remember her helping me and I remember how kind she was, but for the life of me I can not remember what she looked like. I couldn't even describe the clothes she was wearing or the color of her eyes, I can only remember how gently she took my hand and led me home.
Sybil, New Jersey
