Whenever Adrian & I yearn for something exciting and fun, we would take the I-95 express bus to Times Square (only 20 mins on a weekend...thanks to traffic-free roads) and switch to the red or green line subway to Chinatown; at the lower east side of Manhattan.A little history lesson...
New York's Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in the United States but it is certainly not the only one. It came to being when Chinese sailors and merchants entered NY City in the mid-18th. century. While many were lured to California during the "Gold Rush" of the 1840s-50s; some stayed behind and started a life here.
Measuring two square miles and with an estimated population between 70,000 to 150,000, NY Chinatown is even bigger than some towns in the United States. Nonetheless, it is also a diverse spot with other races like Vietnamese, Dominicans and Puerto Ricans living in the nearby neighborhood. Little Italy and SoHo or South Houston; chic and trendy area for the young & hip is just next door.
You can buy almost anything in Chinatown; from the everyday stuff to the queer ones (see photo below) and lots of "branded" products ala Petaling Street in K.L.. You have to look hard for those certain designs as they tend to be hidden from plain view in fear of the authorities.
Tip: Sometimes you may need to go through well-camouflaged doors and walls or walk through garment racks to get to your favorite Burberry, YSL, Kate Spade, Gucci, LV, Chanel, etc.
Lucky boxers and panties...in red, for luck of course! Popular during Chinese New Year but available throughout the year. Worn on most auspicious occasions, I believe. Just not my style, I'm afraid.
Dried shrimp of various sizes, dried squid and fish
Lots of fruits from the common to tropical
An array of seafoodOur favorite pastry shop - Fay Da. The roast pork puff is delicious!
And remember your traditional roots once in a while. Watch a spanking hot-pink lion eating a head of cabbage.
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