BREATHING SPACES

Who doesn't like dumplings? And sometimes on just needs dumplings before walking with a pencil shank GBD Virgin lovatt filled with a fine Virginia blend. The place is that new one on the corner of Kearny and Sacramento. Which, when you think about it, is the new entryway to Chinatown. The dumplings are quite good (I've been there before), and the chili crunch sauce in a jar on the table adds a nice touch. I hope the place thrives.

Of course the proprietess does not speak Cantonese but Mandarin, so if you think about it she's still in exile, adventuring in foreign climes. It's a hotter and wetter here, but we don't have either malaria or mangoes. So it's not that exciting, but less deadly.


Late lunch. Excellent. Weather stayed cool, but even though it rained earlier in the day it remained clear afterwards, no wind. Definitely coat and sweater weather.

There are three places within easy walking distance of each other where Northern style dumplings (餃子 jiao tzi, 'gaau ji') are available. And one more being remodelled, soon to reopen. My cup runneth over.

The dumpling is one of the fundaments of civilized society.

What this town needs, especially during the rainy season which is fast approaching, is a warm dumpling place with a smoking parlour or covered terrace so that resident Dutch Americans won't have to shelter under the awnings of defunct businesses. Seriously.

You don't want us Dutch Americans to catch pneumonia, do you? We'll turn the hospitals upside down and start riots in the ICU.


"Oh nursey wursey, I'd like a cup of coffee and an ashtray!"


Shortly after that, we'll request a box of matches. Preferably wooden matches with a lovely picture of the hospital on the box label. And speaking of such things, not only hospitals need to provide complimentary promo stick matches. So do government agencies, grammar schools, and retirement centres. Think of the visitors! Give them a good impression!

Sorry. I digressed onto a tangent there.



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