A Chinese Department Store...

On a recent foray into Chinatown, I found the fabulous Pearl River Mart and what absolute great fun I had there. This two-level department store located at 477 Broadway carries hundreds of well-priced, interesting items all (of course) made in China. For those women who enjoy wearing traditional Chinese clothing, be prepared to be tempted by everything from super slippers (at least 20 varieties) to chic Mandarin dresses to charming embroidered sateen jackets. There's one section devoted solely to food and you'll also get the opportunity to browse through paper products, lovely tableware, herbal teas, inexpensive home furnishings and more. JourneyWoman found Pearl River was a perfect place to stock up on gifts, both practical and whimsical and I challenge any other visiting female to leave this emporium empty handed. I came away with a winsome child's set of towels, a pink pair of mini chopsticks for little girls as well as several packets of stylish, bright red lacquered adult chopsticks. I almost bought a pair of black satin slippers with an original petal design ($6.95). So sorry I didn't! For a product preview go to www.pearlriver.com.

She runs with New Yorkers...

Journeywoman was delighted to meet with Carmen Brun, the General Manager of Crowne Plaza at the United Nations (304 East 42nd Street). Her hotel is so conveniently located (minutes from fantastic shopping, sightseeing, dining and only six blocks to the theater district). Added bonus: Carmen is an avid runner and she offered JourneyWomen these tips on terrific jogging paths in her city. She writes:

There are some great running places in Manhattan. My favorites include:

Central Park : There are several running routes throughout the park. These include a 6 mile loop, two different 5 mile loops (1 slightly hillier than the other), a 4 mile loop, a 1.4 hilly loop, a 1.7 flat loop and a 1.5 flat reservoir run.

Hudson river run: You can run along the Hudson on the new Westside path from the George Washington Bridge to Battery Park City. For additional mileage and great views of the city, run over the Brooklyn Bridge. The path picks up again on the Eastside up to approximately East 31st Street.

When JourneyWoman asked Carmen about jogging solo along these routes, this was her reply: During the day it is perfectly safe. I have run alone dozens of times on these same paths. In the evening, I would not recommend women running alone, especially if they are not familiar with the city. In fact, I would not recommend running alone at night no matter where the city.

Don't want to run alone? The New York Road Runners offers group runs in Central Park. See www.nyrrc.org for days and times.

Ed. note: To learn more about our JourneyWoman's safety tips for female joggers, click here.

We've run a long way, baby...