Bayard and Mott Streets, in Chinatown

Photo by myself at Bayard and Mott Streets, in Chinatown.

In the middle of Chinatown, you would never know you were in Manhattan.

Mott Street is a long street that runs north-south. Along its length you can find stores selling Chinese herbs, lichee ice cream, soup dumplings and roast pork buns.

Related posts: On Line for Cream Cakes, Outside, En Masse on Canal Street, and From Under the Banner, in Chinatown.

Passing By on Mott Street, Chinatown

Photo by myself, somewhere on Mott Street, in Chinatown.

Despite the chilly winds, it was all a-bustle on Mott Street, in Chinatown.

Stalls were up selling festive decorations for Chinese New Year. This year, the New Year falls on February 10th, next weekend.
--Ed Koch, the mayor of New York from 1978 to 1989, passed away on Friday. His funeral will be held Monday.

Koch was a feisty and well-loved leader during a turbulent time. If you have time, check out a great video interview with him, now newly released by the New York Times.

Related posts: Mark of the Quel Beast, near Bowery Street, New Museum, the Bowery, and Getting the Goods on Canal Street.

On Canal Street and Funny or Die

Photo by myself at Broadway and Canal Street, near Chinatown.

A photo from a warmer time.

Canal Street is a street busy with car and pedestrian traffic. The on ramp to the Manhattan Bridge is on the eastern end of this street, and the sidewalks are lined with vendors selling perfume, jewelry and clothing.
--By chance, my fiance Mark and I tuned in to a new show of the 'Funny or Die' series, called 'Billy on the Street'.

This guy named Billy Eichner runs around Manhattan, quizzing people on the street for small prizes.

I mean, he literally runs around on the street. And there is nothing more frightening in New York than a big guy running at you (waving a microphone, yelling random questions about celebrities), so a good part of the show involves strangers running away from Billy in sheer terror. Ha.

To see clips of Billy on the Street, click here.

Related posts: Braving the Cold, on Canal Street, En Masse, on Canal Street, and Getting the Goods on Canal Street.

On Canal Street, in Chinatown

Photo by myself on Canal Street, in Chinatown.

Just a glimpse down Canal Street, from a little while ago, when it was still warm enough for t-shirts.

You can get all sorts of sunglasses, bags, perfumes, watches and knickknacks here, all for a steal.

Related posts: Sunday, on Canal Street, In Chinatown and a Rupert Update, and Getting the Goods, on Canal Street.

Hot and Humid Days, in Chinatown

Photo by myself on Canal and Lafayette Streets, in Chinatown.

We've been having a very hot June, with bright sun and high humidity. Yesterday we had very little cloud cover. The sun beat the street relentlessly, and everyone on it.

Most people who live in Manhattan do not own cars. Parking on the street is not reliable, and parking garages are expensive. As a result, you combat the elements every (freaking) day.

I've seen people carrying double basses, trash bags full of stuff, dogs and cats on the subway. For larger or more complicated trips, you can always hail a cab or rent a car.

Zip cars, the cars that you can rent for just a couple hours or a full day, are also very popular. Many folks rent a zip car for large grocery purchases, though most grocery stores deliver for no surcharge.

Related posts: Bright Lights, at the Beacon Theater, Twinkly Lights, at the Breslin, and What's Playing Around Town and at Home.