The Streets Have It All

Photo of The Streets Have It All 3/6 by Dipu Darko

Photo of The Streets Have It All 4/6 by Dipu Darko

Photo of The Streets Have It All 5/6 by Dipu Darko

Photo of The Streets Have It All 6/6 by Dipu Darko

There’s no better way to explore a city than navigating your way through its streets. Most of them have incredible character often showcasing the dynamic culture of that country. I’ve eaten the best meals on the pavements, heard amazing live bands, celebrated colorful festivals and made friends with cheery locals as well. The best part about walking is the element of surprise; like this one time when I was cruising through the cobbled lanes of Dresden I stumbled across two Opera singers whose songs had everyone going teary eyed. Yes, they were that good! A walk through the by lanes is so much better than browsing through a museum or Cathedral where everything is shut and indoors. Not that I have anything against the former but I’m not the museum or Cathedral type of traveler. If I had to visit these places, I’d rather have watched episodes on History channel back home. My love affair with streets is unending and every time I wake up in a new country just the thought of exploring a hidden alley gives me the goosies. It’s like walking through a magical lane where the unexpected crops up and you’re taken unawares. Here’s a list of some of my favorite streets and by lanes around the world.

Jaisalmer

Well, what I can say about this Yellowstone city. It’s poetry in sandstone and a walk through it’s by lanes is just as mesmerizing. I can’t name one lane in particular but the ones inside the main fort are truly magical. These winding narrow alleys take you on a time trip where you can see ancient culture thrive and prosper on the streets. From miniature painters to dancing desert belles, the floundering lanes of Jaisalmer hold you captive and make you go berserk with the camera. I had the most wonderful three days where all I did was walk through its gullies and sniff poems off the yellow walls.

Budapest

This was one of the main streets in downtown Budapest and I must have walked through this street almost twice everyday. The street is lined with colorful shops, restaurants, boutiques, pubs and bars and it’s really a small cobblestoned pathway but every time I went back I’d spot a new shop, bar and sit at one of the many cafes and watch people pass by. The best part was sitting in one of the pubs and watching one of the world cup matches alongside locals and travelers. Being In Europe at this time made the trip even more exciting and exhilarating. Oh! And don’t forget to try the slurpy Hungarian Gulash!

Glebe Point Road

Not all streets have to be noisy and chaotic and while I enjoy the hustle and bustle I also love the occasional long stroll through a quiet lane. Glebe point road is not exactly a quiet lane but it’s slightly hippie and colorful character make for a wonderful walk. When I was studying in Sydney I would often wander through this quaint neighborhood and get lost with my then Greek boyfriend. Known for its largely ethnic restaurants and bohemian shops, the main street is filled with writers, musicians, artists and urban hippies. Glebe has a lovely weekend flea market as well that takes off on Saturdays and the mood is festive and wild with musicians , tarot card readers, writers all making merry under the sun.

Paharganj

When you think of Delhi one instantly imagines Connaught Place with its colonnaded pillars and Lutyen architecture. But for me the real Delhi is dancing on the streets of Pahar Ganj, a vibrant crazy place near New Delhi Station. The main street around the main bazaar is a color riot as there’s so much happening in its tiny nooks and crannies. The best part about this street is the abundance of terrace restaurants with their homely tea and spicy food. Even though it’s a popular traveler hang out I’m always mystified by the buzzing activity of its shopkeepers, balloon sellers, touts, beggars and the ubiquitous residents. The streets remind me of an era long gone and some of the old buildings and mosques make for great vintage photography.

14th Street

New York of course is one of the greatest cities to walk and take long strolls and if I had to name just one street it would be next to impossible. Home to Central Park, the Highline and Broadway, I’d go eventually for 14th street that’s a cacophony of almost everything that New York stands for. It’s crowded, noisy and really over stimulating at times. But then again, I’ve heard some cool buskers belt out awesome music. In fact I discovered two of my favorite bands here; Heth and Jedand City of the Sun. Google them people, they are phenomenal. Besides the live entertainment, there are some great bars and restaurants around this square and I’m totally spoilt for choice. My favourite is a French Moroccan Bistro aptly named Bar Six.

Khan el-Khalili

This street is a bustling maze of alleys, lanes and narrow gullies lined with shops, restaurants, hustlers and ever persistent shopkeepers. Despite its somewhat touristy vibe, it’s still a great place to experience the true flavor of Cairo and Egypt. Everyone is rushing, laughing, screaming and yelling and though it’s pretty exhausting to wade through the sea of shops, Khan-El Kalili is the best place to hang and watch life go by. There are some wonderful traditional coffee houses serving Arabic coffee and my favorite Hibiscus tea besides the ever accompanying Sheesha. After some wandering I discovered this old and popular coffeehouse named Fishawi that served up amazing coffee along with free Sheesha, where I also made friends with some jovial minded locals.