After a couple of weeks or so on the farm…I found the need to explore somewhere totally different and decided on an area that I rarely go to…Chinatown. I must admit, Chinatown is not my favorite part of the city, but once I get there I always ask myself why I don’t go more often. Perhaps a love/hate relationship? As much as I love grunge…Chinatown is more gritty than grunge…well…at least that’s my thinking. The overwhelming smell of fish, the pushiness of the people, the constant loud irritating chatter…is why I tend to look for vacant streets and empty alleyways off of Mott Street. Here you’ll find the real deal and a touch quieter. Small markets selling tons of lychees, jackfruit, and durian as well as street vendors selling coconut milk, oh…and individuals with buckets of things one could never begin to identify. Chinatown bakeries are always interesting too…you may find cookies beside a jiggly mango rice ball beside a steamed pork bun…there’s never rhyme nor reason as to how they present their goods which is interesting in itself. July is also time for rainier cherries…and my oh my…what deals you can find on those big plump morsels of sweetness, as well as bargains for all kinds of produce. Speaking of produce, half of what I see I can never identify. I keep telling myself I must buy some of these unknown things and bring them home to photograph, so I’ve put that on my “to do” list for later.
Besides meandering for a couple of hours in the coolness (well kinda…it’s all relative) of the early morning…as well as shopping for one almond cookie, a steamed pork bun and a bunch of cherries…a visit to Columbus Park in Chinatown is a must too. You have people of all ages practicing Tai Chi, playing chess, lovely dresses, chatting and listening to music. There’s no doubt…if you just close your eyes and listen…you would never dream you were in the middle of New York City.
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So…I’m heading to the desert to take a break from the sweltering humidity that hits the city this time of year. Yes, the desert…remember it’s a dry heat there! A couple of weeks of working on some projects and enjoying those amazing Arizona sunsets…before I head back to the city for a week long photography course hosted by an American-born photojournalist whose work has graced the cover of Newsweek more than forty times. Yep, you’ll be hearing more about that when the time comes!
Once again…thanks for all your beautiful notes from my last post…so helpful…
Have a great weekend! gg
Thanks for sharing this part of “your city”. Safe travels to your Arizona home. So looking forward to seeing you when you visit there again in the winter as we will be there from mid-Oct through end of May… Love and hugs… XoXo
Thank you my dear! Yes…planning right now to spend several months in AZ during the winter…may return to Cambodia and who knows where else!! But still hoping to photograph a snow storm in my city. The biggest problem with doing that is being there at the right time, ha ha! Can’t wait to be together! Keep enjoying life…love you more!
Now, that beautiful park and a big bunch of cherries sound great to me … no interest at all right now in anything that makes noise! But always entertained so much by all that you capture with your lens.
Wishing you safe travels and good times in the desert.
You are so supportive and so darn sweet. I’m so glad our paths crossed and so look forward to many more encounters! xo
Nice contrast from the farm to Chinatown. It is annoying but so interesting. Rick had an old friend back in the Paid Prescription days who was a RPh and Chinese. We learned a lot about the authentic chinese food experience. Used to go to Pings for dried meats, too.
In fact, he took Rick to his jeweler to buy my engagement ring and wedding ring in the diamond district there..Ah, and other diamond treasures back in the corporate days. Just went back a few years ago and him and his wife still remembered us.
It’s also nice that it’s next door to Little Italy.
I’ve never been to Columbus Park in CTown.
Thanks for sharing.
Safe travels to the former Land of Beige (You showed me the beauty!)
Love and hugs, my friend.
XOXO
LOL…I thought the contrast was good too! Well the next time you’re visiting that area you gotta check out Columbus Park! You’d love it. So yes, off to the land of beige and will be looking for more color just for YOU! xoxoxo big hugs back at ya!
Clubbing is how we role! Xoxo
OMG…I also think of that night whenever I’m in Chinatown. You noticed I went during the day, right? 🙂 For those of you reading this comment, Megs and I encountered a real life clubbing in Chinatown one night. Meaning that we were standing on a corner ready to cross the street and we could hear a rumble and before we knew it there’s a guy running with about 20 guys running (with clubs/baseball bats) after him down the middle of the street. At first we thought it was a movie being filmed, but didn’t take seconds to realize it was the real deal. And then there was the knife…but I don’t want to share too much…there’s always a possibility of my mother reading this, ha! Miss you Megs…but coming your way! xoxo And yes…clubbing is how WE role. love it.
Chinatown seems like a lively place for all the senses Robin! Have a lovely time in Arizona and that photography course sounds pretty special.
It is Jane…for sure! Thanks for the visit and note and stay tuned for more about the course! Really enjoyed looking at your images too!
I’m trapped in a hospital room tending to my mother who is not feeling well . . .confused and unsteady. Your blog post lifted my spirits and transported me beyond these 4 walls to a place of vibrant adventure. Enjoy your time in Arizona – and I can’t wait to hear all about your photography class.
Oh Donna…my heart aches for you. I so understand. I’m glad I was able to take you away for a few moments…thanks for the note and you know you’ll be in my thoughts. xo
I would not mind wander around in China town… (LOL at the story of clubbing is how we rule)..
Your City is so soulful. Have a great trip, take care.
Wonderful pictures, so Chinese. Isn’t it wonderful that they have their own culture and they keep it alive. Nice photo-ops…
Love and hugs.
Astrid.
Experiencing different cultures is my number one ambition in life…and how wonderful it is to have it at my fingertips here in NYC. Thanks so much Astrid! Enjoy your time with Nicholas!! xo
The light is perfect!
Oh it was…thank you Elena!!!
I love the city views but oh the humidity of the city….not sure you will find much relief from the heat in the desert but the views are amazing!
Trust me…lots of relief here in the desert! At least early morning and late evening…it’s amazing what even the difference of 15 percent humidity and 55 percent can make in a day!! Thank you!!!
You have described my everyday life : ) I can help you with the fruit! Enjoy Arizona!!
I know!! I thought you’d be able to help, as I’m sure you’ve seen it all during your time in Asia! Thanks for your visit!
I had to laugh about why you’re going back to the desert, Robin…because of the NYC humidity at this time of the year. The one thing Nicholas keeps talking about is the AIR…and how “thin” it is compared to Atlanta. Well, Atlanta is also humid, so being here in the Netherlands is a real treat for him in July. Yesterday I had to wear a sweatshirt!
So, you DO find what is good wherever you are. Thanks for returning to Chinatown, because we see it through YOUR eyes in a way we don’t usually see it elsewhere. Thank you. And enjoy your desert when you get there!
I have always hated humidity and one of the main reasons why I fell in love with the desert almost 30 years ago! So fortunate to be able to escape and enjoy both worlds! So envious it’s sweatshirt weather for you right now….that’s my favorite time of year! THANK YOU my dear and enjoy the heck out of Nicholas. I know you are just eating him up! xo
superbe ces tags et ce stop au sol