Resembling

Walking through Astoria, and sitting on the subway (as I am now), sometimes I am reminded of Istanbul. No, Astoria doesn't have seven hills to knock the wind out of you or calls for prayer coming from every direction. Instead, among the Greek store fronts and Spanish enclaves are growing numbers of Middle Eastern immigrants and second and third generation families blooming.


Walking along Astoria Blvd the keen and half-awake observer will see men in fezs and turbans, covered women, and clicks of the tongue of languages far from the romantic variety. As I walk along I chuckle as I hear conversations about dinner, tea, and life. I then realize that I understand more than I should, or more than those around me think I do, as we tumble along these well worn and sometimes grimy streets.


Along Crescent (I think), a few weeks back, I stopped for a long desired Türk Khave and I ordered it sade without thinking. After all, I've always ordered them in Turkey. The cafe owner was so taken back he didn't charge me. As he spoke in broken English he seemed very charmed that I speak broken Türk. I sipped the thick nectar, in the heat, and smiled at a very charming moment. He wants me to come back, and perhaps I will...when I can remember my path from that day. I was apartment hunting, and I was coming off of a crazy.


More so, walking the park the other day and standing along the river struck me. As I stared at the infamous skyline of Manhattan (or just NYC to most everyone not here), I found myself likening the view to the European vs Asian side of Istanbul. The European side holds shiny delights like the Hagia Sofia and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. The Asian side...it's more residential, more conservative, and hosts more of traditional dress. Both sides, none-the-less, are rich with delights and adventure. Much like Manhattan vs Queens.


Queens is more residential, yet filled with life museums, nightlife, and Astoria has the infamous Bohemian Beer Gardens. The clicks of tongues and covered women only add to the charm.

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