Yay! More walking! The East Village, like much of everything we have seen a place of constantly changing landscapes. It is a village that has seen both the highs and the lows of what a large city can do to any neighborhood: a big loop, starting with Washington Square Park and ending at The Strand Bookstore. There is history in every window and every face. Each building, ugly or stunning, has its own story. A great collage of architecture that keeps the idea of cosmopolitanism even among the city’s structures.
A quick stop at The Strand Bookstore to see what “real people” are reading. One of the last bastions of literary individualism striving to remain untainted by the Barnes and Nobeling of the world. Here we are not blasted by what corporate headquarters tells us what we should want to read, proof that the world is not all James Patterson and Dan Brown.
Two blocks up to Kalustayan’s Deli. A mix of Indian and Asian cuisine. Majadarra and curried chick peas, completely vegetarian and light though filling. Proof that one does not need Lean Cuisines and frozen burritos to sustain them. Our culinary guide gave us tastes of almost everything he had as well of tales of his 15 wives and children from Bangladesh to South Africa; a breathing example of cosmopolitanism.
Back up to Mid-Town and the New York Public Library. Created, built, and seriously funded by John Astor. A place where education is available to anyone. One of the many cornerstones of society and its progress that can be found through the city.
Finally, Fences starring Denzel Washington at The Cort Theatre. It is the story of a Black family struggling with Civil Rights, life and death, interpersonal relationships, and a father’s responsibility. Drama! To say the least. And while I think the major pull of the play is to see Denzel on stage (he is very good) there is still a bigger connection for all through familial relationships that is always relatable. Tomorrow, FREE TIME!
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