An ode to Google maps

I inherited many wonderful traits from my mom (quite a wonderful woman, I might add), but luckily one of them wasn't her sense of direction. She's known for getting us lost more than a time or two on the family camping trips we used to take when we were younger - so much to the point that my brother started navigating the map at a very early age. I was reminded again of this last week when she came to visit me over her spring break. After thoroughly explaining which stop she should get off at on the El and which direction she should head to meet me at my building downtown for lunch, I got a call about 10 minutes before we were supposed to meet. She explained which intersection she was at and wondered if she was heading in the right direction. I couldn't help but laugh when I realized that my mom - who has visited this city more times than I can count - had walked west instead of east.

Having lived in a few big cities, I've learned that you need to know your way around for a few key reasons:

• Native city dwellers have very little patience. If you're slow or act like you're lost, you're automatically branded as a tourist.
• One wrong turn can land you in a scary neighborhood.
• Having a general sense of what's around you impresses your non-native friends.
• It just makes life a whole hell of a lot easier.

So, even though I tend to learn cities fairly quickly by just walking, I've come to depend on Google maps. Although not always accurate, this little feature has saved my life on more than one occasion - and has helped me find an ever elusive Starbucks (who would have ever thought you wouldn't be able to find one close to your apartment?).

Now that I'm searching for an apartment in a city quite a few miles away from me, I've come to depend on these maps even more. In a city like Washington, D.C., knowing your streets is crucial - particularly because of one of the reasons I listed above. Some streets are meant to be avoided - and Google lets you know whether you're too close to a sketchy neighborhood - a nice little tidbit that saves you from wasting time looking at an apartment in a neighborhood you would never walk in alone. In daylight.

I often wish I could tap some people on the shoulder and offer this key advice to finding your way around the city. I like to think that I have a little more patience than most, but nothing ruins your day more than when you miss your train because someone stopped right in front of you because they weren't sure whether they should turn right or left at the intersection.

In general, Google maps are a great resource for acquainting you with the city. And, like I mentioned before, can really impress your out-of-state friends.