Trip to the city

12th September, 2011

Today I went to one of the largest towns on Long Island. Riverhead is about 10 miles away. I had to go to the Social Security office today to find out about my social security card. For some reason, they couldn't tell me anything about it over the phone so I had to go to the office. I decided to cycle in as it was a nice day and they had a cycle lane most of the way. I had to wait over 90 minutes before I could speak to someone. The woman told me that in the last 3 weeks, nothing had progressed regarding my social security number. They had some problem with their system. Of course, they didn't think to contact me at all. I can see why so many Americans hate the public sector. The public sector is awful here. She said that it would take another 2 weeks. Since the company in Minneapolis that I will probably be working for need my social security number before I work, I will be in Long Island for at least another 2 weeks.

Riverhead has a small town centre but it is very spread out. It is pretty ugly, except for a very nice little park. On my cycle back, I stopped off at a country park. The place was quite big with loads of camping and picnic facilities. However on a weekday in September, I was the only person there. I think you need to have a pass to visit the park but I wasn't checked so I cycled on in. I got there just before the very early closing time of 4pm. I also passed through a little place called Flanders on the way to Riverhead. It is famous for having a giant duck on the side of the road (which houses a little tourist office). The duck is called a historical site, which says a lot about America's historical heritage. It's no Rome. Colosseum V Giant Duck.