WHY BROOKLYN IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES

 

    distinct smell upon entering apartments. snow cones during summer-time. the infamous ring of the apartment door. roti shops. murals. trini, jamaican, and guyanese flags. sound of the subway. want some turkish food? indian food? african food? museums. parks. brownstones. plastic on couches. gardens. cafés. soca, dancehall and calypso playing. zoos. corner stores. churches. west-indians. parties. bikes. it’s a vibe.

    Some of my youngest memories are in Brooklyn. My family used to go to church in Brooklyn every Sunday. I remember going to Sunday school with my cousins, and we had so much fun together. I remember the white stockings, puppets, mimes, plays, and long drives from Jersey. We would get Tunnock’s milk chocolate caramel bars(Scottish chocolate bar that is sold in West Indies) and Jamaican beef patties after service.

    Since most of my aunts, uncles, and cousins lived in Brooklyn or Queens, we were in those two boroughs often, especially Brooklyn. One of my aunts would let us spend the night by her, and we would do activities in Brooklyn, like going to museums, going out to eat, going to the Brooklyn bridge, Coney Island, among other things. Those Nathan fries hit every-time LOL.

    I experienced many Brooklyn backyard bbq’s full of games, laughter, and fellowship. I remember playing “red-light, green-light 123” and “Mother May I” with my siblings and cousins. It was always a vibe. I hated leaving NY to come back to Jersey haha. So much love and memories.

    Now that I am older, I just appreciate the liveliness and excitement. There is always something going on. You really don’t need a car, for a lot of things are walking distance or you could just hop on the subway. I love that it is a place where spontaneity thrives, because you do NOT need to plan(maybe for some things), but it is not necessary. There are a variety of cultures represented. It is rich in history, art, food, and on a personal level, as a trini descendant, I love that West-Indian culture is celebrated. If I want some doubles, I have many options. You don’t really get that in other places.

    It’s a vibe.

My parents and most of my aunts and uncles lived in Brooklyn after immigrating from Trinidad. I believe my family history also plays a role in why Brooklyn is so special to me. It is where my parents worked several jobs, went to college, and built the foundation of the life I now live. My parents always point out where they used to live, the church they used to attend, and reminisce on times past. I have several photos of my parents and other family members in Brooklyn, when they first arrived and settled. I love it.

    I remember walking in Brooklyn recently, and there was this familiar feeling that I always get. When you are in a place often, or have been, there is a part of you that the place takes, and every-time you return, it welcomes you back. Feelings, sentiments, memories, return. It is like you forgot how much this place really meant to you, perhaps because of time or life. Whenever I step foot in Brooklyn, I reunite with the love, laughter, and fullness that I have experienced there for many years. Much love to you, BK ❤

Thanks for reading!