Thanksgiving is already here, and this year I'm thankful that my recent transition from the upper west side to the lower east side went relatively smoothly. I've been in my new apartment for almost a month so far and I'm finally beginning to feel settled. However, once I step foot outside the apartment, I find myself entering an exotic new world...one that includes lots of dead animals strewn about and hanging from things and lots of signage in a foreign language I don't understand.
Check out some of the pics, even though some of them came out a little blurry and poorly composed (I'm still adjusting to my new digital camera). I thought I'd give my friends and family a peek into my world, since they're always asking. (Click on the images to enlarge them.)
As strange as it is some days, living in Chinatown is very convenient because it borders on so many other cool neighborhoods. It's amazing to me how mere blocks can mark the difference between living in "regular Manhattan" verses living in a "virtual China". It's true about Little Italy as well. It lies just a few blocks west of my apartment, and it's lined with dozens of Italian restaurants and shops. Although, it looks like Chinatown is rapidly devouring it!
As you can see, Chinatown is lined with dozens of restaurants, shops, and markets of it's own. In particular, it's hard to escape the sight and smell of raw fish and other various seafood. As you enter Chinatown, written English disappears, and Chinese (and Japanese?) characters take over every window, sign, package, and marquee. It basically feels like another country.
Nestled off the main drive is my block, with my apartment entrance (pictured above). Above the door is a funny little sign advertising our neighborhood shoe store "Girls Love Shoes". Talk about lost in translation...
Inside our apartment, you'd never know that my roommate and I were nestled within a community that speaks mostly Chinese. The layout is similar to our old apartment, although the living room space is slightly smaller. But that's okay, because the bedrooms are BIGGER, which makes a HUGE difference in New York. We tried to merge our style sensibilities in the common areas, and I think it's worked well. For example, I think Jimmy's letter/number wall art goes quite well with my retro couch.
Here's another view of the living room, this time looking toward the bedrooms (that's my room through the door).
Check it out...I managed to cram every square inch of every surface with all of my "inspirational" knick-knacks and toys. I tried to downsize when I moved to New York, but what can I say, I gotta' have my STUFF!
Finally, here's my work space, where all the freelance magic (or shall I say procrastinating?) happens. Note: every square foot of this wall houses a different piece of art. I gotta' have my "inspiration-wall".
Now come visit!
