My favorite part of the area was by far Strand Bookstore off of Broadway. As soon as I stepped inside the warm building and breathed in the sweet aroma of books, I immediately knew I was in for a huge adventure. Every wall was covered with books, the room was lined with shelf after shelf of hardcovers, paperbacks, picture books, book bags, recycled journals, posters.. the list goes on and on. I browsed through the section carrying books about New York, leafed through the classical literature section and spotted some of my favorite Jane Austen novels, and spent a good deal of time in the performing arts area, finding a play and an acting book I just had to purchase.
After my incredible journey through Strand Bookstore, I was off to eat dinner at a quaint diner off of 14th street. The inside was decorated in a 1950's style, and our waitress spoke in a kind, beautiful accent as she directed us to a small table with red chairs. I ordered the best waffle and hot chocolate in town, and left feeling extremely satisfied and full. Next, it was off to Trader Joe's for some good old fashioned grocery shopping. Once again, the store was chock full of college kids, most from New York University, since the residence halls were right next door. It was exciting to see more college kids from another school who are going through the same adventure as I am in the city. Even though we go to different schools in different parts of the city, we are bonded together by our incessant need for cheap food!
While hopping on the subway to get back to the Upper East Side, I felt refreshed from experiencing a new part of town full of fresh faces and new sights to see. One of my favorite attributes about New York is that I can hop on a subway or bus, get off at the next stop, and be in a completely different part of town. There is so much to explore, so many different people to see, and so many new places to venture through. I am happy to have added Union Square to my list of New York neighborhoods I have explored and loved.
I wanted to read this because I've been meaning to go to Union Square since I got here, and I don't know if it's laziness or business, but I haven't been yet and I wanted to hear an opinion of a friend! It sounds like a hub of young people and exploration. I have to go now in the next week after reading this! You did a great job of spinning your writing in such a positive light and would force anyone (meanwhile them knowing nothing about being forced) to head down to Union Square right away! Well done.
ReplyDeleteEmily,
ReplyDeleteSince I was the "dear friend" with you, I felt the need to post a comment. :)
That day in Union Square was one of my favorite days in New York City yet. We could not have found a better spot in the city to devour books and share our love of books with each other.
When we were at the Strand, I kept wondering what types of people owned all the books before we picked them up to page through them on that wonderful day.
I hope to have many more fantastic adventures with you!