Stone Street, in the Financial District of Manhattan. I have always wanted to go and get lost in the ambiance that so many photos have captured. But, in my living of the every day, it somehow always seemed to be forgotten.
My friend Typhani recently began tending bar at the Stone Street Tavern. Tanvir, Amanda, and I decided to head down there last night to support her. Having been a while since I last heard about that area of the city, I didn't make the connection until I googled the tavern for its address. Stone Street!!
As I had a massage earlier, it took a while for me to convince myself to get in the shower and wash off the relaxing scent of bergamot. Which is my justification for why I ended up taking a cab downtown. And like all good NYC cabbies, mine couldn't figure out where to go once in the Financial District. I shared that it's the street that is full of tables with umbrellas, I was climbing out of the cab in minutes.
As I rounded the corner, I was immediately transported back to Italy. Ah, my Italia!
On this short block of narrow street, each doorway led to a new pub. Take your pick. They are lined up one after the other. The tables filling the streetway are packed with Wall Streeters, young girls admiringly chatting with male financiers, and friends meeting up. Everyone appears to have let go of the business day and are fully in the moment, enjoying life. Looking at their faces you can see sincere smiles and intense listening. Everyone has a brew in hand. Burgers and pasta and salads are the waiters' trays. Despite what might be happening in their daily lives, right now, life is good.
Isn't it amazing? A memory can be triggered so quickly and instantaneously you are where the memory was born. Movements slowed. Every one of my senses came to full bloom. I could hear only the accents of the Italians sitting at random tables along Stone Street. I could smell
Sorrento's southern, coastal air with the flavours of fresh Italian cooking from the restaurants as I walked along Via Santa Maria delle Grazie. Colours, people, smiles, waiters carrying drinks ... all continued to carry me. The freedom and joy I felt was the most pure joy I've ever experienced.
On this short block of narrow street, each doorway led to a new pub. Take your pick. They are lined up one after the other. The tables filling the streetway are packed with Wall Streeters, young girls admiringly chatting with male financiers, and friends meeting up. Everyone appears to have let go of the business day and are fully in the moment, enjoying life. Looking at their faces you can see sincere smiles and intense listening. Everyone has a brew in hand. Burgers and pasta and salads are the waiters' trays. Despite what might be happening in their daily lives, right now, life is good.Isn't it amazing? A memory can be triggered so quickly and instantaneously you are where the memory was born. Movements slowed. Every one of my senses came to full bloom. I could hear only the accents of the Italians sitting at random tables along Stone Street. I could smell
This.
This moment.
This is when I experienced my understanding of what life is truly about.
The moment when I began to live my life.
My foot lifted and as it slowly came down to rest on the threshold of the bar, life moved quickly again as I returned to Stone Street.
RECOMMENDATION: Stone Street Tavern www.stonestreettavernnyc.com
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