Well, we are back in the Shanghai for the start of year 3. Yep, our one year assignment has turned to three- who knew? Anyway, before I get back to writing about life in China, thought I'd write this blog about the biggest freak show on earth which is actually not in China, but instead in New Jersey. Specifically, at the Jersey shore on the boardwalk at Seaside Heights. A fascinating combination of normal people, derelicts, "Jersey girls", and oh so many of the fashion challenged. I really noticed on this last trip how truly weird and wonderful this place is. We've been visiting the boardwalk for 30 years so I guess I just took it as a normal thing while growing up but alas, I finally had to admit to myself that it's a strange place.
To begin with, Jersey isn't noted for it's fashion and nowhere is it more apparent than on the boardwalk. You are guaranteed to see things you wish you hadn't and the sight of the seriously overweight woman in a skin tight leopard print minidress with size triple D boobs will give you nightmares for weeks. In the famous words of one of my favorites bosses from Target- "Just because you can doesn't mean you should".
(The latest fashion for the Italian princess- wings on the butt- if you farted, you'd fly away. )
Next, you can't help but gorge yourself on the greasiest, most heart clogging food on the planet- but it tastes SO GOOD. Inside out pizzas, philly cheesesteaks, deep fried clams, elephant ears, etc...it's like a heart attack on a plate and worth every bite.
(Waiting for our sundaes at he best ice cream parlor EVER- The Showplace.)
(Good thing A is not afraid of clowns!)
All of this set on the backdrop of the Atlantic ocean while the seagulls screech through the air- it's truly a thing of beauty. Seriously though, say what you want about Jersey but for my money, there is nowhere else I'd rather spend a summer than kicking it at the Jersey shore.
A view from my parent's backyard- the bay and bridge connecting to Long Beach Island.
(Amusement park at Seaside Heights boardwalk)
(Guy on stilts- you can't make this stuff up people.)
To begin with, Jersey isn't noted for it's fashion and nowhere is it more apparent than on the boardwalk. You are guaranteed to see things you wish you hadn't and the sight of the seriously overweight woman in a skin tight leopard print minidress with size triple D boobs will give you nightmares for weeks. In the famous words of one of my favorites bosses from Target- "Just because you can doesn't mean you should".
(The latest fashion for the Italian princess- wings on the butt- if you farted, you'd fly away. )
Next, you can't help but gorge yourself on the greasiest, most heart clogging food on the planet- but it tastes SO GOOD. Inside out pizzas, philly cheesesteaks, deep fried clams, elephant ears, etc...it's like a heart attack on a plate and worth every bite.
(Waiting for our sundaes at he best ice cream parlor EVER- The Showplace.)
(My sundae- bigger than my head and yes, I ate the whole thing.)
And don't forget the aged amusement park rides where part of the fun is experiencing the fear of the roller coaster breaking down during your ride. And hitting the vomit comet right after a greasy dinner is a must. All this after you've just lost your last dollar playing carnie games that you have no chance of winning (I personally lost about $20 playing the claw machine for a stuffed toy that I couldn't bought for $5).
And don't forget the aged amusement park rides where part of the fun is experiencing the fear of the roller coaster breaking down during your ride. And hitting the vomit comet right after a greasy dinner is a must. All this after you've just lost your last dollar playing carnie games that you have no chance of winning (I personally lost about $20 playing the claw machine for a stuffed toy that I couldn't bought for $5).
(G taking a ride on the 1918 carousel- an annual tradition for us.)
(Good thing A is not afraid of clowns!)
All of this set on the backdrop of the Atlantic ocean while the seagulls screech through the air- it's truly a thing of beauty. Seriously though, say what you want about Jersey but for my money, there is nowhere else I'd rather spend a summer than kicking it at the Jersey shore.
A view from my parent's backyard- the bay and bridge connecting to Long Beach Island.
Blue claw crabs caught off the back deck from the 'rents house. Cook up with a little Old Bay seasoning- delish!
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