Fancy Going-Ons

These last two or three weeks have been so busy, they kind of just blur together. After taking it somewhat easy after our move to Brooklyn, we decided it was time to mingle with the locals. We’ve been out every weekend, coming back in the wee hours (and sleeping half the day away afterwards), made it a point to go to the city more (Manhattan) and had two photo shoots in our apartment in one week. A friend of a friend is a photographer and needed a place to shoot so we offered our pad since it’s not very furnished. She liked it the first time and came back again. She took photos of some small-time actresses who were very nice and we got to check out hair and make-up trickery too. I could use some of that trickery myself.

We’ve discovered some more yummy places to eat and even found a German beer garden (indoors) that serves legit German food. We didn’t have any food there since we just came from a different dinner spot but it’s next on my list.

Also got to see Travis Barker perform live in the city which was really cool. It was a short show and the venue was small but we had a great time. Went to a bar beforehand and a restaurant afterwards (3am). Jeez, I’m exhausted just writing this.

Other than that, during the week we work a lot and are hermits at home. Trying to cook all meals at home and only go out on the weekends, otherwise we’ll go broke.

We finally stopped buying stuff for the house so we can relax a bit now and not worry about going furniture shopping once again. Next on the home agenda might be hanging photos, which can take forever. We’ll see, maybe they’ll be up by the time we have our first visitor.

Chinatown

You might have heard that NY has a Chinatown too, just like San Francisco. I had heard that the one in Frisco is bigger and better but after having seen both, I beg to differ.

We went to the one here yesterday again and had the chance to check out markets, vendors, eat Dim Sum and even get massages. We went with a friend of ours who recommended the massage place. All three of us walked in and got an appointment for an hour later so we walked through alleys and markets for an hour.

It is unbelievable what you can find there. Everything from fresh produce, dried herbs and vegetables, fresh, fresh, fresh fish (and frogs), lots of bakeries and shops where you can buy Asian imports and all sorts of cookery gadgets. I was in heaven and wish we’d had more time to explore. This is one of those things I have to do by myself though, not everyone shares my enthusiasm for woks and dried mushroom varieties….

Our massages were much needed and not relaxing. Not sure how many times any of you have gotten massages but I always think of them belonging in two different categories. You either get a relaxing spa massage (with oils, soothing music and maybe even those hot river stones) or you get the therapeutic S&M massage (torturous pulling, kneading, cracking and smacking). We got the second one of course since we were in Chinatown. Come on, I don’t think you’ll ever get a relaxing spa massage in Chinatown or in China for that matter. They’re all about pressure points, acupressure, acupuncture, reflexology, etc.. The great thing was that all three of us came out of there loose and unknotted. The prices cannot be beat. For an entire hour we each paid $40 (and we tipped $10 each). That was their maximum price on any of their services. They also do all the things mentioned above (acupressure, etc.) and I’ll definitely be back for acupuncture. Hoping that once we are done buying furniture and paying off some stuff, we can go there at least once or twice a month. With all the stress, it’s nice to do something to unwind.

Here are some pictures we took while walking around.

Yes, for eating 

Long time no see (or read)

Goodness it’s been forever since we’ve written. So really not much has happened since last time. Thought I’d share some NY observations with you so you get to know our new hometown a bit better.

-       The subway is convenient since you don’t have to drive, however you can be stuck in “traffic” just as well. If you take it during rush hour, there are delays because so many subways are operating at the same time so yours just might stop half-way between stations to let others pass by. So if you jump on an express train, you won’t always get there faster. Oh and they call subways “trains” here.

-       People who live here and are used to the streets and traffic are always in a hurry. If you are visiting, try to walk on the right side of the sidewalk to stay out of their way, otherwise they’ll bump into you quite a bit.

-       Brooklyn, which is where we are living, is much more mellow than Manhattan. We can take the subway into Manhattan and be there in about 10 minutes, so it’s nice to have either option. Our neighborhood is also very family-friendly and you’ll see more kids and families here than in busy Manhattan.

-       Everyone sells Red Velvet Cakes here. I don’t know what it is but you’ll find them everywhere.

-       The heater is regulated by the city so you can’t mess with the temperature of your heater in your own home. You either turn it on (at full blast) or turn it off completely. If you get too hot, you have to open the windows even if there’s a blizzard outside.

-       Trash is picked up twice a week and recycling once a week.

-       If you are getting rid of furniture, you can set it out on the curb or sidewalk and either someone takes it or the trash guys pick it up (as long as it’s small). Even if you have random house stuff you don’t want anymore such as clothes, electronics, books, etc., you can place those in a box outside and by the next day, they’ll be gone. It’s like free garage sales.

-       There are plenty of flea markets to choose from and really cool things to buy as long as you have the money.

-       Most buildings don’t have outgoing mailboxes so if you want to mail your bills or letters, you have to find a public mailbox on the street.

-       Almost every building has an intercom system so strangers can’t walk into the building without being buzzed in.

-       You can meet both friendly and rude New Yorkers. Just keep in mind that people are usually on the go and are rushing. If you respect that, you’ll have no problems with them.

-       If you are renting a place here, the rent price is always negotiable. You can even try to get the landlord to pay for certain utilities.

-       Eating out can get quite expensive. In our neighborhood there is only one McDonald’s and all others are bistros, cafes and restaurants. That means if you have lunch or dinner at those, you’ll pay over $20-30 per couple. Do that a few times a week and you’re broke.

-       In the winter, all women wear knee-high boots, along with coats and hats. It’s like the city uniform.

-       You can turn a corner and end up in a totally shady neighborhood. Always stay in crowded or busy neighborhoods if you don’t know your surroundings.

-       If you get a house phone, you will be endlessly hassled by telemarketers.

-       You are also hassled by people buzzing at your door about donations and charities.

-       There are rats, bedbugs, mosquitoes and roaches to watch out for. It’s a big city with many people and many critters. Use common sense and currently, try to stay out of the movie theaters and public seats that are cushioned, since many have bedbugs in them. If you take those suckers home, good luck trying to get rid of them. Also, there can’t be any standing water anywhere in the city because of the mosquitoes and West Nile virus. Wanted to get a birdbath for our yard and am not allowed.

-       There are many great things about the city too, it’s not all warnings. J There are many places to see, shopping to do, a gazillion restaurants to try with food from all over the world and events to attend.

-       Central Park is beautiful to walk around in in the middle of the city, surrounded by sky scrapers.

-       Public transportation is abundant and cheap.

-       People are willing to help you and you get to try food at certain markets before you buy it, think samplers.

-       There are definitely four seasons here and it’s beautiful to watch them change.

Think that’s all that comes to mind now. We’ll provide another update soon. Take care everyone.