Zerega Avenue

The yellow and orange chairs of the number six train are almost full of graffiti, as well as the New York University posters. People are so close sitting there, but so distant at the same time. Meanwhile a mechanic feminine voice says: “Next stop, Zerega Avenue” and it’s time to stand up and wait until the train completely stops and the doors open. An instant chilly breeze and the undeniable smell of cigarette smoke of the city welcomes. The Zerega sign is also covered with graffiti with the names of who knows whom.

Walking down the stairs full of gum and old yellow Metro Cards the distant noise of people counting the coins on the last minute while some ones protest because of the slowly ness of the line. Taking other stairs all the way down and the vibrant colors and smells of the Avenue fill your senses. People walking rushed with their North Face coats, bodegas opening, the school bus arriving, and there’s the avenue sort of waking up. The smells of salty soy sauce from Chinese restaurants fused with herbs and curry from Indian ones and the dough and fresh bread from a Jewish bakery. That special mix of cultures is so unique and distinctive.

A couple of blocks away there’s “La Marketa” and their fusion of colors and smells of tropical fruits brings out memories to every Latino passing by. Also the strong smell of Colombian coffee, those vibrant orange Dominican mangoes, ready to eat guavas, the fresh and aromatic perfect for cooking oregano… No one can’t resist to dance a little from that merengue song on the radio, while remembering and absorbing everything with all five senses.

Some stores away and the blow dryer, water running, cutting scissors, women gossiping sounds of a beauty shop, with the smell of expensive shampoo and hair relaxer stays at the tip of the nose for a while. Passing the Mega Lotto Store with all the posters of the winning numbers of the week and the plastic smelling of them. While passing the corner the street’s getting crowded and louder. The train is a distant sound, now the horn, kids laughing on their way to school and the persistent cars passing by invades the atmosphere.

Three blocks away the round orange and pink letter of Dunkin’ Donuts attract dozens of costumers. Just imagining the soft, creamy and sweet donuts with frosted vanilla, cinnamon or chocolate glace, people ordering their favorites and the employees rushing to take out the fresh oven baked ones. From the corner can observe people getting out the store with their espressos and cappuccinos on hand heading to work. Taking a left on the main street and the Italian accents of people are a reminder that the best restaurant in the whole Bronx is close.

The smell of fresh basil and grilled sausage invades the atmosphere; Rino’s Ristorante is less than a block away. The exterior isn’t amazing but the smell captures and it’s almost a sin not to go in. The sound of forks, spoons, knives and plates combined with the soft and relaxing Andrea Bocelli songs are just a complement of the environment because there’s a lot of posters from Venezia and other amazing Italian. A waitress heads you to a table and offers some cheeses and wines until the main plate arrives, shrimp and basil pasta, the specialty of the house. Those juicy, mouth melting shrimps and the flavor of the basil mixed with home made tomato sauce and herbs.

After a nice and extremely delicious lunch keep on walking and discovering new things in every corner. The mix of cultures, the various stores, the environment, the colors, the sounds, the feeling it gives you of being home out of home.