It was as if Rye froze in time since I left 19 years ago. This is a town in suburban Westchester County 40 mins north of NYC. It smelled of greenery and kept its manicured lawns and stonewalls just as I had remembered. Our first house looks exactly the same and even still has the roses my dad planted.

Many happy memories of my childhood were formed in this town. My best friend Patrick and I would sometimes bike to school which was only 5 mins away. Osborn School was still the same though it had added playgrounds. Memories that have become blurry suddenly became fresh when we drove around town. 

This is a picture in front of school taken when I was a first grader. I tried to recreate that picture.

I visited the Church of the Resurrection, the church where me and my sister were baptized. It was also the place where I had my first communion. I became so nostalgic like it was just yesterday.

In the town proper, mom would bring me to the Rye Library where I’d take out books. This is where my love for reading was stirred. After reading a book, mom would make me write book reports or ask me questions about what I had read. I believe this had helped me immensely as I grew older. The Baskin’ Robbins at the corner is no more. It had been replaced by Subway. I was surprised that the bank was still there though I believe Chase got replaced by Citibank.

Of course, how could I forget what Rye is known for - Playland and Rye Beach. I was looking for the place where I took ice skating lessons but couldn’t find it. This is where my memory failed me. Papa would take me fishing at the Atlantic right beside Rye Beach where his friend Primo had a boat.

After Rye, Elvin took me to Portchester which has a big Puerto Rican population. My babysitter Miriam lived there and that’s where I’d get dropped off after school. I knew Spanish when I was 5 according to my mom. Haha. Anyway, Elvin knew of a hole-in-the-wall Chilli place called Hubba’s that is actually Zagat-rated. Had the best chilli and chicken I’ve ever tasted.

On our way home, I chanced upon the hospital where I was born. What a way to end my day.

Special thanks to Elvin Abordo for taking me to Rye. I knew you were in it for the food trip at Portchester which I totally don’t mind.

It was good to visit my roots. I feel more complete now that I’ve seen Rye again.

SoHo, Chinatown, Little Italy

The Bangladeshi food cart called Kwik Meal that I eat at should change its name cos it doesn’t give justice to their food.

Been eating at soup and salad places and pizzarias for lunch but today I decided to try a food cart. Bangladeshi - Canadian halal that had previously won awards. Yuppies in their black wool coats from nearby office bldgs were lined up at this cart so I decided to give it a try. I ordered the lamb over yellow rice. The spices were so strong that I forgot it had just snowed and my fingers were numb while eating it outside at Bryant Park.

Upscale outlet shopping at its finest at Woodbury Common. I only bought things I needed and saved almost $300.

One of the most memorable experiences in my life is watching Phantom of the Opera in Broadway. I was crying because of awe. Thank you @annlolee!

So I go to a pizza place to grab a quick bite with my new friend trying not to look like a FOB. Forgot the toppings and how cheesy NY pizza is. Everything slid onto my coat. Nice. There’s reason why you have to FOLD the goddamn pizza when you eat it. Mental note.

The priest had such a potty mouth, reminds me of a Jesuit. He would use the Lord’s name in vain. “Why am I am still greeting you Merry Christmas? Christmas was yesterday, for Godsakes.”

The most beautiful library ever which is only a block away from school. I was distracted for whole ten minutes before I started studying. I was just staring at the ceiling.

Subway to Downtown - Chinatown and Little Italy