It was early evening, and Stockton Street had already retired. A handful of pedestrians, a few cars cruised down the street. The garbage truck double parked just before the tunnel. Two workers sat on the steps of the Chinese school building peeling oranges. A heap of rind between them. This laziness did not befit Chinatown, when just a couple of hours ago it was bustling with shoppers and students.
People may have gone home early to prepare for the Chinese New Year, which comes early this year, on January 23. The other day I went to the hairdresser and all the chairs were occupied! Everyone wanted a hair cut before the New Year.
In the balmy evening I strolled leisurely down. At the other end of the tunnel was Union Square. The lights were still festive there, but the mood had also changed.
photo by Joseph Szymanski
