Here are the good things about my hometown, Astoria, Queens: it's a quick commute to Midtown Manhattan, there are a variety of restaurants, um.............................. but it's not exactly the most gorgeous area. Most blocks are full of apartment buildings and houses plopped down without any thought to its eyesoreability. Some blocks are full of the same six family railroad flats, and that's the closest one gets to design in Astoria. My complaint has always been, and still is, the lack of bookstores. There was one just two blocks from my home for a year or so, but it was really a hole in the wall, no character, no staying power. I remember over a decade ago there was a lovely bookstore near the Ditmars Blvd station on the "N" line.
When I discovered this place I thought I was dreaming. Sure, it wasn't that close too home: Astoria is big, and this was 2 train stops away. Still, I was glad it was there, and looked forward to visiting many times. Sadly, it's gone now. There is one more place that sells books on Broadway, but it is another poor excuse to me. There's not much going on. It's just too easy to take the subway downtown and wander around Strand if I'm in the mood. Growing up, we had the library. It's still there, and not too bad, though I get the feeling when I'm there that I'm back in PS 70 with the vengeful Ms. Orol. Either that or I'm in a homeless shelter.
There are worse places to live, and like I said, you can eat really well in Astoria. But for crazy book people like me, in the words of the Bard: "I can't get no satisfaction..." (Well, Mick Jagger's almost as quotable as Shakespeare.)
5 comments:
nice montage of the hood. Astoria really isn't half bad. and it's starting to get a better rep b/c of all the Manhattanites moving in, so who knows maybe we'll get a B&N. :)
I'm just starting to wonder about the QOL in this city, generally. I spent the weekend upstate and came back down to asthma attacks and allergies. I think we'll all eventually have to make our way to the country anyway, though Astoria's still home to me.
Yes, I can make a place look real dismal - though I'm sure if anyone looks hard enough there is beauty in Astoria...we just need to look in the mirror...ah ha ha!
Yes, I have heard of Two For the Pot...must try!
Gata, you must post pictures of the GOOD aspects of Astoria, the cafes and restaurants, Cavo lounge (even though I've never been - ha), Steinway street....Astoria Park...
But Keyfood??? Keyfood????
Okay, I'm a brat. But ya already knew that.
I think the pics of my block engulfed in snow February 2006 was rather fetching.
Don't worry, I'll do a positive Astoria post sometime soon. The humidity is putting everything in a glum light.
And yes, I know the projects are Woodside.
Diversity...Astoria's saving grace!
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