It is somewhat refreshing to see New York during the weekend. I was lucky enough to witness that recently. It seems like these hard-working New Yorkers are finally having a break and in a breezy mood for living life. I am convinced that, no matter how much you put in to your career, enjoying life still utmost important, if not, a reward itself.
I was put up in a hotel at 57th Street and coincidently, the un-named weekend market was held on this fateful street as well. I heard that, weekend markets have no fixed location but move all over New York. For the first time, I witnessed an
American “pasar malam” and surprisingly, they sell things very similarly to what we have at home, perhaps, in a more tasteful and exotic manner.
The peddlers are hardly White Americans but mostly Chinese, Turkish, Lebanese or maybe Greeks. The Chinese sell mostly clothing and home ware from China and also offering traditional massage. The rest, they all sell food consisting of their local delicacies like Doner kebab and Shish kebab, fruits dipped in chocolate and other goodies.
I bought three pairs of sunglasses for just US$25 and they look very stylish indeed. As I walked, I also bought myself a Shish kebab, which is skewered meat. I think I had lamb and it tasted wonderful. I also had banana dipped in chocolate, a sinful yet pleasurable indulgence.
It was a lovely atmosphere and it is something I will miss and look forward to, if I am lucky enough to have another New York trip during the weekend.
A special mention to the Veterans of war where they are saluted and honoured for their contributions during the Vietnam War, Korean War, WW2 etc on this day known as the Veterans Day. I was there, among the crowd standing behind the barriers and watching the Veterans Day Parade marched on Seventh Avenue, on a Sunday morning.
I also saw the covered, yet to be unveiled Christmas Tree, which is always a Christmas highlight in the Rockefeller Centre.
