Whenever I want to escape the hustle and bustle of NYC for the hustle and bustle of Asia, I head to NYC’s Chinatown. Of course, these days there are three or four Chinatowns including those in Brooklyn and Queens. I can be a traditionalist and besides I know all of the highways and bi-ways in my downtown Chinatown.

One of my all-time favorite places in Chinatown is the Eastern States Buddhist Temple of America, Inc. There you can find something for everyone. It’s a museum: there are special Buddhas hidden in the back room—public not invited. It’s a place of worship. Those gorgeous Buddha’s aren’t there just for show. It’s a place for gossip and is always filled with folks with shopping bags and a story to tell. It’s a tourist destination, with a shop that sells all kinds of goodies made in China.

My absolute favorite part is the wishing well of fortunes: $1 donation. I have a personal rule that I invite you to follow. All fortunes must be good or better to count.