My Neighborhood

Like many neighborhoods over a period of time my neighborhood has changed.  With the effect of time many has moved out and others replaced them. Businesses I was fond of as a child no longer exist. Many were family owned but whatever their reason, weather it may be bankruptcy or relocation new ideas and new faces are always popping up. The houses which line the side street still remain the same along with the gigantic trees in front of every other house. Since many of my friends moved out new families have taken their place but as a young adult I don’t have the same child like quality to run from house to house like I did in the pass knowing everyone along with their business. The sounds and the smells of the area have not changed just the individuals they are derived from. What do I see when I leave my house? The people, the businesses, the sounds, the smell, and the camaraderie between all these entities all vary from day to day but they make up my neighborhood, sometimes bad and sometimes good.

            As I step out of my front door I see the sun beaming down and the light breeze I feel blowing over my face. Because it’s a Saturday many of my neighbors have gone out to run earns leaving only a few cars on each side of the one way street. The trees start to grow leafs from the effect of spring along with the fallen buds scattered on the ground. I begin my walk toward the main avenue which is Jamaica off of my side street. It’s still morning so not many people is outside but the few that were out were either walking to their cars or walking in the same direction I was. I could hear faint sounds coming from open windows, it could either be a television or a radio. Many of the houses with an exception of one apartment building were moderate two family houses. Most had driveways leading to a sizable backyard along with gated front yards.

            I continued my walk but didn’t smell the usual hit of curry in the air, just one of the aromas when living in a neighborhood where Indians are a majority. I walked pass the fire hydrant where many hot summer days were spent cooling off.  At this point if I look up I could see the tracks of the J,M,Z lines. The rust from the old steel holding up the tracks are severely noticeable along with the black rails that line the steps leading down from the Jamaica Center side. I continued my walk almost to the end of the street and under the train tracks when I hear the familiar sounds of a train approaching. If I was on the phone I would have had to put the person on hold knowing that nothing could have been heard by either party because of the roaring of the train on its tracks. I could hear the ding sound indicating the doors to open and the sound of the automated voice saying “this is 121street, next stop 111street, stand clear of the closing doors please” and then a ding, the roaring begins again.

            I stop and look to the left and then to the right. I could see the deli, the laundry mat, the bakery along with other businesses on the opposite side, Because it’s a Saturday I see a few people walking around in front of the laundry mat. As I look further down Jamaica I see the Q56 bus coming to a stop in front of the deli letting people on and off. As I begin my walk toward the left heading to lefferts boulevard to catch the bus I pass the notorious club maracas. The brown paint and the black awning with the club logo on it stand bold for all the people passing by to see.

Although my neighborhood consists of many other streets and avenues, some more populated, this area will always be my neighborhood. I always felt it provided everything I need from entertainment to a place of just hanging out and relaxing. But my neighborhood also provided the many basic necessities such as food, places to wash my cloths, and many different forms of transportation such as the train and the bus. My neighborhood also provided my memories and since I am going to be living there for the next few years I am sure it will continue giving me experiences along with memories I can someday share with others.