Liberty Ave & 133rd St. in Richmond Ave.
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Liberty Avenue in Richmond Hill is like the street that time, traffic signal time that is, forgot. This stretch of Liberty still holds dear to its lovable little double headed traffic signals, replaced by overhead triple headed signals in most of the city decades ago. None of the survivors are old style box lights on their little cast iron stands, but even the more modern doubles are a throw back to at least the 1960's.

The two top views are facing east, with the Van Wyck Expressway two blocks down. A couple of used car lots, of which this area is well endowed, occupy opposite corners.

I had ventured down here while shooting the Van Wyck, expressly for the purpose of getting the traffic lights, but an unexpected treat awaited me. Facing west now, we find Sybils West Indian Bakery & Restaurant at the corner. Had a good meal that night. Took out a Channa plate with rice, pumpkin and something I know not the name of. I like Indo-Pakistani food anyway, but have only eaten one Carib dish before in my life other than Jamaican beef and veggie patties, and that was a relatively bland potatoe filled roti, which at least filled with potatoes was similar to a knish. Those familiar with Indian food know Channa dishes involve chick peas. This dish however added non Indian Afro Caribbean influence. The two cultures may have their problems getting along socially and politically, but they made a great cuisine. In that, I think they all agree and if this world is ever going to know peace, it will be on a full and happy stomach. Stop in and don't leave without a peanut drink. If I die tomorrow, at least I know what drinking that felt like.

© 1999, Jeff Saltzman.