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What East Harlemites Do For Fun

By Jose B. Rivera

Those of you readers who hail from East Harlem may find much of the following to be old news, boring, or refreshing.  The following is for those of you who have not been to our community.  Ever wonder what we do for fun?  Well continue reading and enjoy the following pictures.  This is but a little taste of what we do for fun in El Barrio. There are eleven pictures on this page.  They may take a little while to download and parse, but they are worth it.  If you have any pictures supporting this theme (What East Harlemites do for fun), please e-mail them to me (prefer tiff files) and I will include them on this and other pages.  Have fun.

Picture of a big souped up truck

There are those who enjoy riding their big trucks. (my son for perspective, he can’t drive yet.) Picture taken on 106th between Lexington and Third Avenues.

Picture of a big souped up truck

There are those who enjoy riding their big trucks. (my son for perspective, he can’t drive yet.) Picture taken on 106th between Lexington and Third Avenues.

Picture of my wife Cecilia listening to music

Others, like my Wife Cecilia, just like to listen to music near a cool window. Yes, she is listening to “Caliente”  A new Spanish language radio station on 105. 9 Mhz.  She also likes to listen to La Mega!  La Mega se Pega.

Picture of my wife Cecilia looking out the window

This is an activity most East Harlemites can relate too.  Passing the time looking out the window.  A fresh breeze and gossip gathering are the goal here. She doesn’t look too happy does she? Hot day during the summer of 1998.

Picture of a Latino band playing out in the street

One of the best things to do on a hot summer day is to dance to the music performed by a band or “conjunto”. This shot taken August 23, 1998 on East 105th Street between Second and Third Avenues.  Salsa all the way!

Picture of the same Latino music band

Hey, it was so much fun, I just had to snap another picture.  The music was too good to leave behind.  This band was plugging a Spanish radio station on FM.

Picture of a store manager at a discount store

Another favorite pastime (all year long in fact) is shopping for knick knacks.  This gentleman works at the “Discount Center” near 104th and Third Avenue. Tell him you saw him on the Web.

Picture of resident playing dominoes

This seems to be a male only sport in East Harlem, but women play too.  This picture taken at Clinton Projects on East 109th Street and Lexington Avenue.

Another picture of resident playing dominoes

Youth versus Wisdom. Hey, have you ever seen blue dominoes? Only in East Harlem. I wonder if they glow in the dark?

Picture of an icy cart

This is a “Piragua”  or Snow Cone cart. Bet you wish you could have one now. A regular cup (plastic) cost one dollar and super size cost two dollars.  You can still get a small cup for 50 cents.  Picture taken around the corner 105th Street and Third Avenue.

Picture of a public playground on 109th Street and Third Avenue

Parents and children alike, love to play at the various playgrounds scattered throughout the community.  This park was recently renovated and is located at 109th Street and Third Avenue

Picture of a skeleton done by James De La Vega on the sidewalk

This is my youngest daughter, Letticia, admiring street art created by James De La Vega.  James has been quite busy creating these black and white skeletons. This down at your feet can be entertaining and culturally uplifting in El Barrio.  This art piece is located on the corner of 106th Street and Lexington Avenue on the north east side of the street.

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