Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
My friend Mustafa X is on his way with his family to visit the United States. It will be their first trip to America. They'll be going to New York and Los Angeles. I've been telling Mustafa X for some time now how terrific America is, and I want to make sure my country lives up to its reputation--I'm a little worried, because it's hard to be a tourist anywhere, and you can easily end up not seeing the best parts of any country if you don't know where you're going or what you're doing.
It's actually been a while since I've been in either New York or Los Angeles, though, so I'm not really sure what to recommend. Obviously, they'll see the famous tourist attractions. But what restaurants should they go to? Think mid-price as well as fancy. (Mustafa X is a big fan of sushi, and it's rare and overpriced in Istanbul, so if you've got great sushi tips, I bet he'd love that.)
But more importantly, what sights and places off the typical tourist agenda might they visit that would give them a sense of what's really remarkable and astonishing about America? I should say that when I first met Mustafa X, he didn't believe me when I told him about the First Amendment. He figured that was just American propaganda. I've done my best to convince him otherwise, and I think he basically believes me now. But I'd like him to really see it in action. Where should he go, what should he see, to be persuaded immediately that everything I've been telling him about the American political and economic system is real?
I reckon they should go see a jury trial: I think that would be mind-blowing to Turks, who are used to a completely opaque, mysterious justice system. I wonder if they'd find it interesting to see a tea party? Are any scheduled in those regions? I've never seen one, myself, but I'm curious.
Let's put our heads together and write a little guide, shall we? "American Liberty and Justice is Real: A Tourist Handbook for the Slightly Skeptical Turk."
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Aug '10
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
Hey Claire,
How about a town hall meeting? The august recess is coming up and nothing proves the openness of the American political system better than seeing a congressman cowering in the corner while being shouted down and reamed out by hundreds of angry constitutients. It's like a snapshot of the Spirit of '76. Plus, he could probably find one anywhere he went. Finding an unpopular congressman shouldn't be too hard this August.
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
I like it! It would do a Turk good to see citizens to whom the thought would never occur, "I'd best not give an authority figure a piece of my mind lest terrible punishment befall me." I'll recommend that for sure.
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
But what about examples of people getting things done--quickly and efficiently--without screaming at each other? And without just talking endlessly? That would be an educational sight. too.
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
And what about examples that showcase that supposedly-dead American Dream? Assuming it's still alive, which I believe it is. Where can they see people rising from nothing and making it to the top--through hard work, initiative and guts--just like in the American propaganda movies?
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
Hmm. I'll have to think a bit about people getting things done. However, I *can* offer a sushi joint, an excellent one: Sapporo East on 10th and 1st Ave. Smallish place, but great sushi. Not expensive, but excellent quality. Also, perhaps a tour of the Daily News, WSJ or the Times? Not sure if those things are even available, but they might be really interesting. Also, for an outdoor space, I'd recommend the Conservatory Garden (free, pt of Central Park), entrance on 5th and 105th. I only discovered this 6 or 7 years ago, and I still can't believe it's there. If kids are involved, I'd recommend a Coney Island baseball game (I think it's the CI Mets but not sure ... embarrassed that I can't remember) or Staten Island Yankees game. The Apple store and/or that big toy store (what is *wrong* with me that I can't remember it ... OH! FAO Schwartz) are near each other (I think) and are magnificent/horrifying examples of wealth, capitalism, consumerism ... what have you. I'll keep thinking...
Aug '10
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
Claire Berlinski: But what about examples of people getting things done--quickly and efficiently--without screaming at each other? And without just talking endlessly? That would be an educational sight. too. · Aug 9 at 5:59am
The Stock Exchange? Except I think there they are constantly yammering and shouting at each other. But I hear they sometimes get things done, Efficiently, even.
May '10
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
Non-Standard: I would send him to get take-out coffee during rush hour in Midtown Manhattan... Washington Square Park... East Village... lower East Side... a lecture at 92nd St. Y... Shakespeare in the Park... Sylvia's... see Letterman or John Stewart tape their shows.
Venice Beach... Melrose.... American Girl Doll store (Okay not a testament to our system of Constitutional government but a uniquely American phenom nonetheless)... testament to capitalist efficiency? Disneyland.
Jun '10
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
Something they probably don't have in Turkey:
NY
http://www.paintedponyrodeo.com/schedule.asp
CA
http://norcomountedposserodeo.com/blog/
Aug '10
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
Getting things done--quickly and efficiently--without screaming at each other? And without just talking endlessly? Damn, you have been away for a while, haven't you?
Seriously, I can't think of a place where the entrepreneurial spirit, which is what it sounds like you're trying to demonstrate to you Turkish friend, is out on display. Maybe it's just part of everyday life, and I've come to overlook it when I see it.
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
When I was a kid, a visit to FAO Schwartz was the best thing that could ever happen. It was pretty close up there when I went back as an adult. I'll definitely recommend that. I bet this family will (erroneously) think they're too cool to go to a rodeo. I reckon they'd think it's the sociocultural equivalent of going to this. Actually, they're probably right about that, but I myself haven't time for such snobbery.
Jun '10
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
That's too bad. If they're too cool to go to a rodeo (or a state fair,) they're not going to understand America very well. I hope they have fun in any case.
May '10
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
At the end of a long tourist day, nothing better than a twilight concert with a picnic in the park on a warm Summers evening.
There's lots of free concerts/music etc in parks around NY, Check out http://www.summerstage.org/
I am sure the same sorts of events are on in LA, not sure of public transport access though.
http://www.lacountyarts.org/publications/calendar/month/August/year/2010
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
Well, this is the problem with tourism. How many Americans have come to Turkey and insisted upon seeing the Haghia Sophia while passing up the Turkish oil wrestling? Legions, I imagine. And they return home understanding nothing. Not that I've actually seen it in person myself, but I reckon my exposure to the Turkish martial arts scene is otherwise pretty comprehensive.
Aug '10
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
Hey, in certain parts of the country, a rodeo provides those of us with the inclination with an excuse to dress up in Stetsons, boots, and big belt buckles and drink Bud Heavy for a night. It's a true cultural immersion that should be experienced. Especially the banquet beer.
Jul '10
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
Well, there's your trouble.
Not knocking those cities, but trying to understand America by going to NYC and LA is like trying to understand the ocean by going to the beach. The beach is nice, and it's what most people see, but there is so much more beyond it.
May '10
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
Claire, one should be careful googling Turkish Oil Wrestling, as it takes you to places you may not want to go....
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
And if you think that's true of Googling it, my friend, imagine the reality.
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
UPDATE: Oh, my goodness. I just asked Mustafa X where exactly in Los Angeles they're going. "West Hollywood," he tells me innocently. The mind boggles. This traditional, conservative Turkish family is going to land in America and go directly to West Hollywood. There's a sitcom in this, for sure. Jonathan Gilbert--over to you.
May '10
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
Claire -- One more thought for the X's: Whole Foods -- either coast. There is no institution that more dazzlingly exemplifies the Capitalist system. I would send them to Wal-Mart too except for the fact that it would take them an entire day's worth of their trip to get far enough into the burbs to see one.
May '10
Re: Mustafa X Goes to America: Travel Tips, Anyone?
I'm pretty sure they'll be able to catch some Turkish oil wrestling in West Hollywood...