Relaxing in the city.

Chinatown is one of the best places we've been in New York. The availibility of cheap snacks is overwhelming. I had no less than an eggroll, a curry chicken roll, a fish bun, a steamed pork bun, two lotus cakes, a mango rice bun, and at least a few other things. The most notable thing besides food is the black(gray?) market stalls that sell every designer knockoff imaginable. It was fun to haggle for cheap stuff and be shown around the secret backrooms full of Gucci and Chanel handbags.



Cars are stored in this giant vending machine while their owners go about their business in Manhattan.



Chinese rolls and buns are stored here before I pig out on them.



Anita is a Chicago ex-pat who we caught up with last night. We had pizza, italian ice, and hung out on her roof.



Shawn is one of our most-missed Chicago-to-NYC transplants. He's done well for himself while staying true to his roots.

Nora and Jeff had a cookout on Sunday with Wisconsin beer and brats. It was a success.



We built a large tarp structure to deflect the torrents of rain. One of their friends brought cachaca and made Caipirinhas with sugar and lime.



It's great to have friends in town, although all of the fun is exhausting.



I haven't rode my bike around town too much yet, but Andrea was cruising around Brooklyn when she took this shot.



I'm looking forward to checking out Manhattan this evening by bike. Cross your fingers for me.



Hanging out in the park is pretty much the best thing you can do on a summer evening. I'll check back soon.