City of Treasures

If you ever saw the movie Love, Actually, then you may remember the key line: "Love, actually, is all around us."

What's so great about living in NYC, and any city for that matter, is that we are surrounded by treasures -- on every block, on every street, everywhere. And yet these treasures aren't always obvious.

A sentimentalist might argue that a city's greatest treasure is its people -- and that's true. But we have a massive host of secondary treasures -- buildings, stores, theaters, parks, etc. etc. etc. -- you name it. We are replete with treasures.

Here are two examples from this city of treasures, from the specific to the vast:

First, the story of a New Yorker who deals in treasures -- antiques, specifically -- a big, varied, and sometimes celebrity clientele (including Andy Warhol). His treasures are not just the antiques and trickets he sold over the decades, but the experiences and memories he gained from his trade that he is now sharing with the younger generations. A treasure with treasures, you might say.

Second, the architecture of Queens. Yes, that's right -- the entire borough of Queens has a distinct and interesting architectural look that is different from the other four boroughs. In fact, there's a photographer who's dedicated himself to capturing this "unique housing stock." That's not to say that the architecture of Queens is beautiful -- it's not, really -- but it stands out on its own. It has an almost European feeling, much like the borough itself. Queens is the most diverse county in the entire country, a special and unique place -- and this architecture houses these people, these treasures of NYC. 

So, much like love, the treasures of NYC are all around us.