Thursday, August 4, 2011

the forgotten borough

You know those wonderful summer moments when you're inside doing absolutely nothing and suddenly realize that the sun is shining outside your window? It doesn't happen as often as I'd like it to--more my schedule's fault than the sun's--but I do. This past Sunday was kind of like that.
So I took the ferry to Staten Island. I'd never been and I had heard that I should (1) visit Snug Harbor and (2) dine at New Asha for cheap, authentic Sri Lankan food.
My companion and I successfully completed the first task by taking the bus (S44) from the ferry terminal to the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden (about 5 minutes). Then we wandered through it for hours...
 
I felt like I was dreaming. Who in the world knew that there were such a beautiful place in the mostly under-appreciated Staten Island? And I mean no offense when I say that. I mean, I know I'm never going to forget about the fifth borough again.
Afterwards, we'd hoped for some Sri Lankan, but instead chose Adobe Blues Southwestern Foods & Old West Saloon. We were hungry. It was closer. Residents had yelped. Discovering it had an impressive beer menu was just a bonus.
Finally, on our way back to the ferry terminal, we stopped by St. George Stadium to watch the Staten Island Yankees get crushed. Oh well :) fireworks came soon after so all was not lost. It was quite the pleasant afternoon, and although I still may not love the accent, I don't doubt I'll be returning sometime in the future.

6 comments:

  1. I'll admit that there is a stigma associated with Staten Island and that I was a little bit judgmental before reading this post, but you've totally won me over. someday I hope to visit the 5th borough for myself!

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  2. Staten Island is so beautiful! I am actually shocked. I don't know if I've ever been! I'm going on my next day off. What a perfect day trip!

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  3. How beautiful! what does Sri Lankan food consist of? Is it similar to South Indian (lots of coconut milk based curries etc?)

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  4. In 10 years of living in New York I have been to Staten Island twice. The first time was to take my driving test there. Which I failed. So I went there for a second time to retake it.
    I did think it was pretty. It gets such a bad rap.
    I did not know there was a Sri Lankan restaurant there. Must visit!

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  5. Hey there Danielle,
    I'm coming here after such a long time that it seems like meeting an old friend over lunch while she talks about her experiences around the world.
    I dont have a URL as i've shut my blog. So guess you won't be able to recognize me (I'm no stalker btw :))
    I'll remind myself to read you regularly.
    Will get back to the posts then.
    Chao!
    P.S: I wasn't able to post anonymously hence using my old blog url.

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  6. lookthroughmyspecs: Yay! I'm glad to have done so :) hope so too.

    Katie: You totally should go. And maybe even take me with you?

    saltwatercoffee: Thanks! Yes, yes it is. I've actually never had it though. I'll report back soon with findings hopefully!

    Sam @ Mom at the Barre: It does get such a bad rap. I hope more people discover it's beauty and hope you get a chance to go back soon! If you get a chance to try the Sri Lankan restaurant before I do... please let me know!

    An old timer who shut her blog: Aw, I'm so glad to have you reading again! Thank you for coming by. I hope to continue to share my worldly experiences with you and others for a long time :)

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