@catadero5
Actually, as a New Yorker, being given hand-written orders like that would be out of the ordinary. If you are going to go in person, talking is preferred. Written orders are usually taken through the computer.
And to all the people talking down on NYC, downtown Manhattan is perfectly safe, and would no way anyone would let people get mugged or conned in the street in broad daylight. There are cops EVERYWHERE and people are always willing to help a tourist that looks lost. The subways are the only place you might have to be a bit more careful due to being a bit claustrophobic in some places, as well as having to wait for the train to arrive. Also, if you are a tourist, do not, I repeat, DO NOT do 2 things: stare at people, and take up space on the sidewalk. Staring is rude and people don't like being looked at like they have 2 heads. The sidewalks are also narrow and people walking on them have places to go; if you must stand still to look for directions, put your backs against a wall. If you want to take pictures of something, pray that you find an empty sidewalk to do it because people will get pissed off if you are in their walking space.