A really good friend of mine and I take Tai Chi on Saturdays in Harlem,  after which we walk around enjoying the sites, talking, listening to some type of live music at an ongoing mini festival (or as part of a parade), laughing.

It’s usually great fun, and we get to share about our lives, support one another concerning any current life challenges, catch up, plus just plain have fun engaging with others along the way.

I have to say, we thoroughly enjoy, even celebrate Harlem’s culture together and  it’s just magic.

In some ways it reminds me of Africa. The people are warm, connected, relaxed and cultural. But connected plus relaxed makes it stand apart with just that vibe alone (in NY). But I suspect that is because Harlem is steeped in history you can see all around you as you walk through.

So, Harlemnites sparkle with warmth and pride. They enjoy one another and you can enjoy them.

Today, we ended up at an African drumming circle.

My friend is Cherokee but she loves all things African so we arrived, saged, sat and listened. But I thought, wow, only in NYC would you be at a drumming circle with Africans, African-Americans and a Native American, enjoying the vibes, drumming, the outdoors, and friendship.

And we arrived, to smiles. A silent and happy welcome. I’m sorry, but in no other borough.

And before that we had healthy wraps (we’re both health nuts) from a mom and pop that makes possibly the best wrap sandwich I have had in my life. And the servers were the same, relaxed, proud, connected!

Moving onto – the MEN.  Harlem has some of the most fabulous looking African men, out in full form, as they make business. My friend and I are always stunned, then giggly happening upon this.  She is alot less jaded than I, so she will find a way to  start up a conversation with them, about anything, then we get to engage (happily) for a few minutes.

I just love it, because for me, there is nothing like a man who genuinely enjoys being a man and who genuinely enjoys the exchange with women in a grown up way.

Some people won’t know what I am talking about here, but when you are it, you know it, and when you experience it, you can tell it. Well, I’m very much a grown up who enjoys grown ups so this is always a treat for me.

And  it reminds you what “men” are like.

Ah, I just love Harlem and we are happier than bees in honey when there….