City Hall (seen below) is quite near the Social Security office at 26 Federal Plaza
![Downtown Downtown](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/12/124116/downtown-L-jKvM2w.jpeg)
where I spent a happy morning yesterday, and remembered waiting there in 1979 when I only had a green card and needed to get a permit to visit my mother in England. That was the memorable occasion upon which, when I asked if there was a bathroom was told, "Yes, but an alien took the key."
![Downtown Downtown](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/12/124116/downtown-L-JWmO22.jpeg)
downtown has more fire escapes than round here
![Downtown Downtown](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/12/124116/downtown-L-4JPCtk.jpeg)
which makes for lots of stripes.
![Downtown Downtown](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/12/124116/downtown-L-xEAFyg.jpeg)
Then on to the jollity of Chinatown
![Downtown Downtown](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/12/124116/downtown-L-fHrxLZ.jpeg)
where we anticipate the arrival of the very excellent dumplings
![Downtown Downtown](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/12/124116/downtown-L-Fupndd.jpeg)
at Excellent Dumpling on Lafyette Street. Here fried vegetable dumplings. I also recommend the scallion pancakes. Lunch for two $12.75.
![Downtown Downtown](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/12/124116/downtown-L-92g0mk.jpeg)
The painters take a pause in painting the poster for Incredibly Loudand Incredibly Close overlooking Canal Street. Reminds me of the eyes of DoctorT. J Ecklebergin The Great Gatsby.