Monk Shopping

I was passing by the Century 21 department store and saw a bus pull up.  It was full of monks.  They assembled in a very orderly fashion and headed into the store.  

Monk Shopping

It's Closed?

Inside the Century 21 department store on Cortlandt St. in lower Manhattan is generally among the most crowded places to be in all of New York City.  It is regularly filled (wall-to-wall) with bargain hunting tourists.  As it is across the street from the World Trade Center site, sightseers can make a quick stop for deals in the same trip.  Walking the store, it is not unusual to walk from end-to-end and not hear any English being spoken.  Sometimes it is a destination in itself and people make a special trip just to appreciate the discounts. 

Thursday was the beginning of Rosh Hashana.  To the average consumer, there would not appear to be an immediate connection between the Jewish holiday and the store's hours.  But, the store was in fact closed through Saturday. 

As I passed, I noticed there was constant traffic to the doors of the store even though it was closed.  Most immediately went to open the doors and then were surprised when there was no give.  Many were angry, some where stunned. Many emotions. 

The small sign on the door simply said it was closed for the holiday.  Not everyone might have immediately realized the holiday being referred to was Rosh Hashana.  Especially since the anniversary of 9/11 and its ceremony was scheduled to take place right there in two days.  Confusion, is 9/11 now a holiday? 

I was amused by the human reactions to the store being closed and pulled out my iPhone.  Here are some of the approaches and emotional responses from the visitors.