Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Lost in Transition


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!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, that IS a bigger space! And it looks like you've used it really well. While there's an abundance of art on the walls it doesn't look cramped, it looks quite homey and comfortable.

Anonymous said...

And of course we can't wait to come and visit. There's something about the smell of raw fish that draws us there like moths to the flame.

andrea said...

love the shots of your neighborhood, your place...! even though I am now kicking myself, seeing how close you live to where I was wandering around on thursday afternoon... still can't believe we missed each other! ugghhh.

oh wow, and tell your roomate I totally dig that piece above the couch (which I also love)... that's his piece, right? fantastic. the whole place-- so fab.

xo

JustMe said...

Thanks, guys!

sdandrea - I miss you and FM. You know you're welcome anytime, right? Even on short notice. I figured you wouldn't be able to resist the wafting aroma of raw fish...

andrea - I'm sorry we didn't get to meet up. What is it about this place that makes connecting two people so difficult? Oh...and I'll tell Jimmy you dig the art he bought on the wall. I agree...it's a cool piece. Thanks for the overall compliments on the decor. It means a bunch coming from a decorator-extrodinaire such as yourself.

JustMe said...

oops...I meant "extraordinaire"

MareAmaro said...

curious!-i live too in the china district but of my city, milan. i like your couch retrĂ² indeed abd also the chair in front of it. well thanks for letting us visiting your new nice apartment!

Stefania TararĂ  said...

there's no doubt about it, you have interesting experiences!
there are a little CINA in my region, anywere!
My compliment for the apartment, is well organized!
beautiful wall!

JustMe said...

Thanks piero! Thanks stefy! The living room is a work in progress. I just got a new mid-century modern bean-shaped coffee table to match better with the couch...I'll have to post another pic of the space when I get it worked out! Thanks for the compliments.

I sure wish I could go to Italy to see their version of Chinatown!