I had great expectations for our day. We'd be three generations boldly exploring sights and smells unknown. I yearned for a culturally enriching experience that would broaden my occidental world view.
I'm not really sure if browned duck hanging in store windows qualifies as "culturally enriching" or if little ceramic cats waving a single paw will open my eyes beyond western traditions. Frankly, it's not clear to me what anyone in Chinatown actually does except sell things to tourists. In this respect, Chinatown is no different than any other designated area of New York City.
The coolest part of Chinatown was the Mahayana Bhuddist Temple, which sits right at the end of the Manhattan Bridge. This houses a statue of Bhudda that is about as large as an aircraft carrier. But much more colorful. One could not buy ducks, cats or chopsticks in the Temple, but for a dollar you could pick a fortune out of a bin. I can't get anything that cheap in my church. You haven't been able to purchase anything decent in western religions since indulgences.
After about an hour we thought it might be fun to stop for Dim Sum. I don't know literally what "Dim Sum" means, but in our experience Dim Sum means "your restaurant of choice is closed for a private function." Apparently the Lee Party had booked the "Golden Unicorn" for their nuptials so we were forced to seek sustenance elsewhere. And I am pleased to say that I can recommend to you a wonderful little place to eat if you are ever peckish in Chinatown.
It's called "Da Gennaro" and it's right up the block, off Mulberry. In Little Italy.
tlc
