Salute Friend

Having gone to NYU in the pre-Giuliani years, and still living within earshot of campus today, I’ve seen Greenwich Village change quite a bit. This formerly rough-and-tumble neighborhood has seen its fair share of gentrification, but I have to say that a lot of the old spirit still remains; this is still the great confluence of bohemians, families, university students, professionals, tourists and natives.

History of Greenwich village

1. In 1664, the Dutch settlement of New Netherland was taken over by England by which mean Greenwich Village became isolated from NYC; New York City in the meantime grew larger with the passing day
2. In 1712, Grin’wich becomes the preferred name according to the Common Council books.
3. Even still, Grin’wich is also recognized as a village in 1712
4. Around 1811, it’s recognized that the layout for Greenwich’s streets are dangerous compared to the 19th century grid plan based on the Commissioners’ Plan
5. In the year 1822, NY’s yellow fever breakout caused numbers to move to Greenwich and stay there because of the cleaner air.
6. And now this year, 2009, the Landmarks Preservation Commission started landmarking the South Village. (Let us hope its evaluation reaches completion and in favor)

Doubting Green wich village is part of Manhattan?

GREENWICH VILLAGE is unmistakably NEW YORK and as such, GREENWICH VILLAGE SHOPPING is SHOPPING IN NEW YORK. You can find great pizza places and hot dog joints like Gray’s Papaya, there’s a basketball court on 4th and 6th avenue that is always packed with neighborhood players, and stores ranging from the Housing Works thrift store to Urban Outfitters. I’m a foodie, so I love places like Murray’s Cheese Shop and restaurants like Mario Batali’s Babbo. There’s also my favorite, Sabon, the renowned local fragrance shop. Won’t tell you where exactly in Greenwich it’s in; it is my lil’ secret but let’s just say passing by is a joy to the nose!

The dangers of this local area

But watch out - depending on where you are in the Village, it can get LOUD. The bars on Bleecker street can be deafening if you stay around there. While you may want to check out old village institutions like the Bitter End and Fat Black Pussycat, if you’re staying in the area you may want to pick up some ear plugs especially if you’re not a night owl.

But all in all, THE VILLAGE is THE PLACE TO BE AT. No other place compares to the history and tradition.

The idea of the wish lantern, is that you make a wish as you launch them. This is what sets the wish lantern apart from the sky lantern or Chinese lantern. The wishes attached to them are what makes this unique product so special. So never forget to make a wish when you launch a lantern otherwise you have no right to even call it a wish lantern. As far as when exactly you make your wish is concerned, well, that is entirely up to you. Yu may wish to wish as you light the fuel cell. Some people attach a great deal of importance to fire, people are superstitious about it. Think where the ritual of blowing out candles as you make a wish comes from.. You may, however prefer to make your wish as the lantern inflates. You could then interpret the inflating of the lantern as a sign that it is filling up with you wishes and thoughts. Alternatively make your wish as you release the lantern into the sky. This is the option that most people feel comfortable with. Like sending a letter to Father Christmas through the chimney, you are sending your wishes into the sky with the lantern