east harlem - don't judge till you go

 i visited east harlem this afternoon - and i must say, in the broad daylight and on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade, it is quite fun!

They have:

coconut flavored shaved ice

fire hydrants spewing out cold water to play in

and mangoes on a stick!

as you walk with your shaved ice, after running in water, Puerto Rican reggae plays on every street corner and groups of women are seen making and selling homemade empanadas and other authentic PR cuisine.

tasty food, a cultural experience, and open fire hydrants - what's not to like?