Are you adventureous? If you live in New York City, I hope your answer is a resounding "yes!". Manhattan is an entertaining crisscross of neighborhoods; within 15 minutes of subway ride you can find almost any culture, language, religious practice, culinary specialty, or any exotic and specific combintion humanly possible for your exploration.

I go to Chinatown often for food, people watching and a little adventure. Something unexpected always seems to pop up from nowhere and surprise me. Most New Yorkers know Chinatown is where they can find inexpensive seafood, but what I saw a couple of weekends ago impressed even a regular like myself. In a massive grocery store off the beaten track, in addition to the regular selection of seafood, were enormous sea clams and conchs the size of small cats. Against the wall were menacing-looking sea bass swimming to and fro - I'd definitely advise against eye contact!

The most unexpected were the mussels. Tied up as small bundles, I initially thought they were frozen somehow....until one employee poured cold water on them. All of a sudden these protrusions - pseudo feet - at each end moved like crazy as if they were trying to run back into the sea! It was then I realized they were still alive.

I sincerely hope they have no feelings....

Sassy

I can't imagine life in Manhattan without the Central Park. There is something about nature - however articifially created - that uplifts human spirits. A walk in the wooded paths after work restores all the calmness and equilibrium within myself. To hear the leaves ruffle and birds chirping around me, to smell the freshly cut lawn, to watch the squirrels hiding their little treasures, and to watch the dogs roll on grass is priceless.

In summer I run around the Jackie O. Reservoir. The Park is so busy in summer that one can safely run in the circular path until at least 8:30 or 9 pm. When it's stifling hot and humid, the reservoir path is especially rewarding to run with the cooling breezes coming towards runners. It is also incredibly romantic around sunset, with the Manhattan skyscrapers against the golden rays reflected on the water. Runners also get to interact with the "wild life" - I once saw an entire family of recoons clustered on the branches just above the path. If you decided to run at night, be sure to look for the family of ducks who retire into the reservoir bank!