Why I Love Queens

It's been a long time. Sorry. You probably forgot about me, but I don't mind.

I wanted to tell you why I love Queens. There's a few reasons. Luckily, the "reasons" are "photos."

People Are More Inventive

From Why I Love Queens

Wherever there's fruit outside, there's bound to be a surprise. Because of cryptic signs with fun punctuation (above) or newly created species of tomatoes (below), shopping for produce never bores me.

From Why I Love Queens

This rule of inspired sign-making applies to flowers, too. Outside of the frame, there's also Dragon Daisies and Siberian Tiger Roses. Next time I'll be sure to photograph them.

From Why I Love Queens

Your Niche is Here

From Why I Love Queens

OK, so maybe you're a human being in the market for a decent, affordable haircut. I'm sure there's plenty of places in this neighborhood where you can find that kind of thing. But check out Vicky's--they preen pigeon coifs, too.

And if you're happy with the hair on your head, you might consider grooming elsewhere. Luckily, this place (below) specializes in exactly what you're looking for. I'm sure.

From Why I Love Queens

Did I mention collectibles? I should. They're important. And highly findable in this borough. The lady in the window obviously scored !Best Prices! on a !Collectible! or !two!--her smile says it all. Gave up a few limbs for a prime place behind toy cars and manga.

From Why I Love Queens

Sidewalks Are the Utilitarian's Utopia

From Why I Love Queens

In the above photo, two girls scoot across the street, narrowly avoiding death by speeding SUV. I've (almost) seen it happen. For them, the sidewalk is a safer place to ride their Razors.

When I was younger, I flew kites at the beach. When I say "younger," I mean "23." Anyway, in Queens, children don't have that luxury. The sidewalk becomes for them what the beach was for me: a liberating kite-flying haven. "Little one, run with it! Go!" I heard adults call after him, as he pushed into women with three-wheeled carts and cane-wielding elderly gentlemen.

From Why I Love Queens

If you don't have a scooter or a kite, or football, baseball, or Skip-It, you might use the sidewalk as storage. See below for tips.

From Why I Love Queens

Everything's The Right Price

From Why I Love Queens

Wow, a burrito's only #0.99!? I mean, $0.99? Amazing. And check out the lunch special at the Korean BBQ. Available 7 Days != !

From Why I Love Queens

Everywhere you'd ever want to shop even accepts EBT cards, as does the deli depicted below. You can buy all the Irish foods you never wanted or knew existed, and if you're lucky, you might even get green eggs and ham. DEAL written all over it.

From Why I Love Queens

I Know How Late I'll Be To Work Because I Can See the Train Across the Borough

From Why I Love Queens

But isn't it beautiful?
And below, an accurate photographic description of what Manhattan looks like every Monday morning.

From Why I Love Queens

Most of All, I Love Queens Because It's All About Prevention

You can't make this up. Face masks actually grow on trees.

From Why I Love Queens

Swine Flu? Fuggetaboutit!

Really, I do love Queens.
Here's why:
Sunnyside Gardens

From Why I Love Queens

Staggering Views AKA I Can See The Sky

From Why I Love Queens

The Best Reason of All

From Why I Love Queens

If you find yourself so-over mundane Manhattan, take that train underwater and visit us. Or at least get your Brazilian done here (way marked down, I hear).