Travels with Koko: When Cousin Marcy Came to Visit New York City

Jing Fong Dim Sum

Food cart

Marcy took the Greyhound bus up from New Jersey to spend the day with us in Manhattan. She especially requested dim sum for lunch so, of course, we went to Chinatown. We took the B train to Grand and Bowery and walked along the Bowery until we came to Jing Fong restaurant which the internet said was a good place. Eddie had said that there was a good dim sum restaurant on the Bowery that was near a bank, but he just couldn't remember the name. This one was book-ended by two banks, so it had to be good. It was also packed with Chinese (not a single farang in sight) so that was another indicator that the food was authentic. Every dish was served piping hot from steam carts.

Mickey D's

Making a point

Among all that good authentic Chinese food, McDonald's appears to be superfluous even redundant, but it is an American presence, so here it is. Looking like a Chinese temple with its red columns and curving roof, the façade reminds that this American identity is malleable. Of course, to some it is cause for resentment, a reminder of America's economic power. But here in Chinatown, it is McDonald's that is colonized. And happily so.

Monk napping

The courthouse in Federal Plaza

Laughing on the bus

We browsed around Chinatown a bit, walking down Henry Street and then Catherine Street, and buying cheap stuff for the kitchen. I found a set of melamine soup spoons and a teapot for under $10.00. We found our way back up Centre Street and Federal Plaza. Indomitable bargain hunters, we went into Lots-Less for more deals. I got an ice cream scoop and a silicone trivet for $5.00. Afterwards we still had time to spare so I suggested we go up to High Line Park. We took the #6 train to 14th Street where we got on the cross-town bus. The entrance to High Line Park is at 14th Street and Tenth Avenue. An elevator takes you from street level up to the park. Under a brilliant blue sky the park was a cool refreshing change from the hurly burly of the streets below. Here is a brief picture gallery of our day with Marcy.