Which Way to the River?

Tourist: Excuse me. Where is the river, please?

Old man: The river? Go north, up this street, and walk through the park.

Tourist: North, through the park. OK.

Old man: The river is behind the park. You go across the bridge, and there it is, opposite the old church.

Tourist: North, through the park, across the bridge. Thank you so much!

Old man: Wait, wait. North is that way, young man. You are looking south.

Tourist: Oh! Sorry. So the church is east or west?

Old man: East. But do not worry. The river is very long. You can find it from north, south, east, or west.

Tourist: So I cannot get it wrong?

Old man: No.