Journals 1 - 4
1. Impressions of new york
Whenever I think of New York City the common saying "the city that never sleeps" comes to mind. The city is a non stop place where you can find people on the street all hours of the night. I love to be in the city and be apart of all the fun places and parts of history it has to offer to me. The city has always been a place of amazement for me and ever since I was little traveling to the city was the best part of my day. My dad has worked in the city ever since I can remember so since a young age I became a New York tourist. To me being able to go to a city with a mixture of all types of people traveling back and forth each day is amazing. You never know what the city has to offer to you and i look forward to learning more and more about it.
2. Queens
Today is the day for the start of the New York City Gotham class. I have been anticipating the start of this class since the day I registered and the day has quickly approached. Everyone I told about this class said it would be the best class I would ever take at Molloy. I woke up early to make sure I had everything prepared for the day and to make sure I didn't miss my train. Since I am someone that tends to run late I new I had to prepare myself to make it to the city by 11 so I was not left in Penn Station.
The 10:17 train arrived at the Rockville Centre train station and I was off to the my favorite place, New York City. Arriving in Penn Station with 10 minutes to spare was perfect since I still had to purchase my Metro card to use for the day. After I completed that I met up with the class at the assigned meeting spot and was welcomed by all the new faces. Everyone looked eager and energized to start our first adventure into Queens.
The first day on the agenda of the day was the World's Fair. According to the book, Essential New York the quickest way to Queens is "by riding the elevated 7 (flushing Line)" (ESN, pg 159)I was familiar with the Worlds Fair because it was my dads favorite place to visit when he was little and would often tell me stories and some history behind it but I only viewed part of it from driving past so I was excited to go see it in person. We had to take multiple subways this day which was a new experience for me because I've only taken them a few times. We ended up in Flushing Meadows where we took a nice stroll in the July heat where we were greeted by the World's Fair Unisphere. This was an awesome sight to see and the entire class got to take a group shot in front of it. This Unisphere was a very popular attraction for Queens and brings in many tourists to come visit it. After we all got our selfies in front of it, the time came to walk a few steps to the Queens Museum. This was my first visit to the Queens Mueseum and was excited to see what it had to offer. We were greeted by 3 tour guides who first took us to the Andy Warhol exhibit called the 13 Most wanted Men, this was amazing see and was impressive to me. My favorite part of the Queens Mueseum was seeing the Map of the entire city and all 5 boroughs, which was also the same map that was shown in the movie New Year's Eve which I thought was really cool. After the museum everyone had worked up an appetite and it was off to have my first dabble with Indian food.
Just like most of the people in the class I have never tried Indian food and today was going to be the test to see how I feel about it. We arrived at the restaurant where our tables were all set up for us and the buffet food was waiting for us to dig into. I went for the more plain food...aka bread and rice and some of the plainest chicken I could find. I quickly found out that everything I my plate i was enjoying but I would not go to crazy and try the goat (which my Professor Mike Russo was disappointed about) After having full stomachs on Indian food it was off to Astroria!
More subway rides packed into the day and finally we were in the beautiful Astoria. Here we got to visit the Museum of the Moving Images. This had to be my favorite Museum this day. I got to see all the old movie cameras and how sound, light and even makeup is used in the movies. There were many hands on activies and they even showed documentaries on the World's Fair. After enjoying the great museum and the nice air conditioning for a little while it was off to the last stop of the day.... Long Island City.
This is was also my first day ever being in Long Island City and was excited to see what all the hype was about. We got off the subway and took a stroll to the waterfront. We had to pick up the pace since the clouds were quickly turing a dark gray and rain was on its way. After arriving at the Waterfront it was an amazing sight to see. The Queens Borough bridge was right in front of our face and so was the New York city skyline. It must be amazing to live in Long Island City and be able to see that view everyday. I also was a few feet from the famous Pepsi Cola sign that is visible from New York City. After taking many "artsy" photos of this view it was time to head back on home since the thunder and lighting was chasing us out.
I was able to take a subway to Woodside from Long Island City and caught my train back on home to Rockville Centre. My tired legs were happy to sit on the air conditioned train home and needed to rest up for next weeks city adventure. Today was very eventful and I was able to see a side of Queens I have never experienced before. Also taking the subway so many times showed me part of the ropes of the subway system and how it operates. It's crazy to think I only live about a half hour from Queens and never knew of the amazing places I could go experience there.
The 10:17 train arrived at the Rockville Centre train station and I was off to the my favorite place, New York City. Arriving in Penn Station with 10 minutes to spare was perfect since I still had to purchase my Metro card to use for the day. After I completed that I met up with the class at the assigned meeting spot and was welcomed by all the new faces. Everyone looked eager and energized to start our first adventure into Queens.
The first day on the agenda of the day was the World's Fair. According to the book, Essential New York the quickest way to Queens is "by riding the elevated 7 (flushing Line)" (ESN, pg 159)I was familiar with the Worlds Fair because it was my dads favorite place to visit when he was little and would often tell me stories and some history behind it but I only viewed part of it from driving past so I was excited to go see it in person. We had to take multiple subways this day which was a new experience for me because I've only taken them a few times. We ended up in Flushing Meadows where we took a nice stroll in the July heat where we were greeted by the World's Fair Unisphere. This was an awesome sight to see and the entire class got to take a group shot in front of it. This Unisphere was a very popular attraction for Queens and brings in many tourists to come visit it. After we all got our selfies in front of it, the time came to walk a few steps to the Queens Museum. This was my first visit to the Queens Mueseum and was excited to see what it had to offer. We were greeted by 3 tour guides who first took us to the Andy Warhol exhibit called the 13 Most wanted Men, this was amazing see and was impressive to me. My favorite part of the Queens Mueseum was seeing the Map of the entire city and all 5 boroughs, which was also the same map that was shown in the movie New Year's Eve which I thought was really cool. After the museum everyone had worked up an appetite and it was off to have my first dabble with Indian food.
Just like most of the people in the class I have never tried Indian food and today was going to be the test to see how I feel about it. We arrived at the restaurant where our tables were all set up for us and the buffet food was waiting for us to dig into. I went for the more plain food...aka bread and rice and some of the plainest chicken I could find. I quickly found out that everything I my plate i was enjoying but I would not go to crazy and try the goat (which my Professor Mike Russo was disappointed about) After having full stomachs on Indian food it was off to Astroria!
More subway rides packed into the day and finally we were in the beautiful Astoria. Here we got to visit the Museum of the Moving Images. This had to be my favorite Museum this day. I got to see all the old movie cameras and how sound, light and even makeup is used in the movies. There were many hands on activies and they even showed documentaries on the World's Fair. After enjoying the great museum and the nice air conditioning for a little while it was off to the last stop of the day.... Long Island City.
This is was also my first day ever being in Long Island City and was excited to see what all the hype was about. We got off the subway and took a stroll to the waterfront. We had to pick up the pace since the clouds were quickly turing a dark gray and rain was on its way. After arriving at the Waterfront it was an amazing sight to see. The Queens Borough bridge was right in front of our face and so was the New York city skyline. It must be amazing to live in Long Island City and be able to see that view everyday. I also was a few feet from the famous Pepsi Cola sign that is visible from New York City. After taking many "artsy" photos of this view it was time to head back on home since the thunder and lighting was chasing us out.
I was able to take a subway to Woodside from Long Island City and caught my train back on home to Rockville Centre. My tired legs were happy to sit on the air conditioned train home and needed to rest up for next weeks city adventure. Today was very eventful and I was able to see a side of Queens I have never experienced before. Also taking the subway so many times showed me part of the ropes of the subway system and how it operates. It's crazy to think I only live about a half hour from Queens and never knew of the amazing places I could go experience there.
3. Brooklyn
Well the day has come to explore Brooklyn. "With 2.5 million people, Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs as well as being the second most densely populated country in the United States." (ENY, pg143) This is was evident to see as I was navigating through Brooklyn on Wednesday.
It all began in Penn Station once again where everyone was eager to start the day. We had another hot day ahead of us, with plenty of miles to go. First it was a long train ride away to the famous Coney Island. I have never been to Coney Island so I was excited to see what it had to offer. Arriving in Coney Island, "home to 60,000 inhabitants, but continues to be known for it's amusement parks and seaside attractions." (ENT, 137) After this trip I can finally say that I have ridden the oldest roller coaster that survived super storm Sandy, THE CYCLONE! I was nervous to ride it knowing how old it was but it had to be done to get the complete Coney Island experience. Next we too a stroll on the boardwalk getting to see the boardwalk and the many walks of life that come to visit Coney Island. The time at Coney Islamd would not have been complete without eating at the original Nathans! After filling up on hot dogs and fries it was time to board the subway once again and it was off to the Transit Museum we go! But before stopping at the museum we visited the Brooklyn Borough Hall. Mike pointed out that is was a Neoclassical style, which we have been learning more and more about.
This museum is located on the corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn Heights (ENY, pg. 147). Even though this museum was underground with no ac on a hot july day I still enjoyed it. This museum opened up in 1976 and it was such a significant piece of history to New York, which many people appreciated. I was able to see how the first subway was built and the museum is an actual functioning subway system! It was amazing to see how much handy work was put into the subway where machines were barley used and how dangerous it was for the men working underground. We also got to pretend to be bus drivers and see all the types of turn styles they use to have back then. Then we traveled down to the basement where the subway station is and we went in and out of all the old subway cars. I was impressed to see all the old cars and how they have drastically changed to this day. After exploring all the subway cars it was time to depart from the museum and time to explore the beautiful Brownstones in Brooklyn Heights. Before starting the next adventure on foot we needed to stop for a quick fuel up on water at the deli and take a 10 minute break from the heat. After we were all hydrated it was off the explore Brooklyn Heights. Mike told us that the Brownstones are also known as "row houses and they are beautiful. I have never really been through Brooklyn so I was in awe to see how beautiful it is and how much there really is to see. We also got to see the view of lower Manhattan which is another sight that was new for me and i must say I couldn't loo away. The Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge popped up at us as we walked along the beautiful waterfront as we were all dragging our feet as its been a long day already. I made my first appearence at DUMBO also known as down under the Manhattan Bridge. Here a few of us took a break a paid the Carousel which we paid $2 for. This is an amazing monument for Brooklyn and even has this transparent jewelry like box which is said to have cost about nine million dollars but it was worth it because it helped this park become an important piece of Brooklyn. Mike felted that we deserved some ice cream before taking on the Brooklyn Bridge. After everyone got a sugar rush and some energy back into them it was off to the bridge.
I was excited to finally be on the Brooklyn Bridge, since walking it has always been something I have wanted to do. It took a lot for me to walk this considering its been a long hot day and all i wanted was to sit down with the air on me. But the view was amazing making the walk worth it. The Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883, it is the oldest suspension bridge in the United States, and it is approximately 1.1 miles long (ENY, pg. 152). I finally made it over the bridge and am happy to say it is something i have finally completed!
It all began in Penn Station once again where everyone was eager to start the day. We had another hot day ahead of us, with plenty of miles to go. First it was a long train ride away to the famous Coney Island. I have never been to Coney Island so I was excited to see what it had to offer. Arriving in Coney Island, "home to 60,000 inhabitants, but continues to be known for it's amusement parks and seaside attractions." (ENT, 137) After this trip I can finally say that I have ridden the oldest roller coaster that survived super storm Sandy, THE CYCLONE! I was nervous to ride it knowing how old it was but it had to be done to get the complete Coney Island experience. Next we too a stroll on the boardwalk getting to see the boardwalk and the many walks of life that come to visit Coney Island. The time at Coney Islamd would not have been complete without eating at the original Nathans! After filling up on hot dogs and fries it was time to board the subway once again and it was off to the Transit Museum we go! But before stopping at the museum we visited the Brooklyn Borough Hall. Mike pointed out that is was a Neoclassical style, which we have been learning more and more about.
This museum is located on the corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn Heights (ENY, pg. 147). Even though this museum was underground with no ac on a hot july day I still enjoyed it. This museum opened up in 1976 and it was such a significant piece of history to New York, which many people appreciated. I was able to see how the first subway was built and the museum is an actual functioning subway system! It was amazing to see how much handy work was put into the subway where machines were barley used and how dangerous it was for the men working underground. We also got to pretend to be bus drivers and see all the types of turn styles they use to have back then. Then we traveled down to the basement where the subway station is and we went in and out of all the old subway cars. I was impressed to see all the old cars and how they have drastically changed to this day. After exploring all the subway cars it was time to depart from the museum and time to explore the beautiful Brownstones in Brooklyn Heights. Before starting the next adventure on foot we needed to stop for a quick fuel up on water at the deli and take a 10 minute break from the heat. After we were all hydrated it was off the explore Brooklyn Heights. Mike told us that the Brownstones are also known as "row houses and they are beautiful. I have never really been through Brooklyn so I was in awe to see how beautiful it is and how much there really is to see. We also got to see the view of lower Manhattan which is another sight that was new for me and i must say I couldn't loo away. The Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge popped up at us as we walked along the beautiful waterfront as we were all dragging our feet as its been a long day already. I made my first appearence at DUMBO also known as down under the Manhattan Bridge. Here a few of us took a break a paid the Carousel which we paid $2 for. This is an amazing monument for Brooklyn and even has this transparent jewelry like box which is said to have cost about nine million dollars but it was worth it because it helped this park become an important piece of Brooklyn. Mike felted that we deserved some ice cream before taking on the Brooklyn Bridge. After everyone got a sugar rush and some energy back into them it was off to the bridge.
I was excited to finally be on the Brooklyn Bridge, since walking it has always been something I have wanted to do. It took a lot for me to walk this considering its been a long hot day and all i wanted was to sit down with the air on me. But the view was amazing making the walk worth it. The Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883, it is the oldest suspension bridge in the United States, and it is approximately 1.1 miles long (ENY, pg. 152). I finally made it over the bridge and am happy to say it is something i have finally completed!
4. The Village
This is our first Friday class since last friday was July 4th and we will be spending it in Chelsea & the Village. We all met in the "meeting spot" in Penn Station, had the morning huddle and prepared ourselves for the walk to Chelsea. Before we set off for Chelsea we had to learn a little more on the history of the great Penn Station. The destruction of Penn Station outraged the people of New York City and it caused the development of the landmark preservation. Penn Station was such a beautiful and people felt it should have been preserved and its a national landmark for the city. We started off the day the rest of the day by walking the Highline in Chelsea, this is my first experience of this. "The best way to see Chelsea is from above. Begin at the start of the High Line at 30th street and Tenth Avenue and leisurely stroll south along it." (ENY, pg 106) This is what we did and let me tell you the view was amazing. The high line was filled with many different people all relaxing and enjoying the view, with the beautiful plants and sun beating down on us it couldn't get any better. After walking this it was off to the art galleries!
"What Chelsea is primarily known for today is its numerous art galleries, showcasing some of the world's most prominent contemporary art." (ENY, pg 107) We got to experience this great art firsthand. We had the opportunity to walk into multiple art galleries and I felt as if I was famous being able to see all this art firsthand. The first gallery we entered looked as it the art was a cartoon. I can't say it was my favorite one of the day and the people around me were amused by it so I kept my comments to myself. After visiting more and more galleries it became clear to me that something that can look so ordinary to me can be a beautiful piece of art to someone else. We saw a piece that to me just looked like broken ruble on the floor and to be honest I almost stepped on it but to the artist its an amazing piece that puts people in aw.
After being gallery hoppers we decided that we had worked up an appetite, but before lunch we visited Cushman's Row and St. Peter's Episcopal Church. These row houses were a sight to see and are considered to be occupied by "the area's more fashionable inhabitants." (ENY, pg 109) Next we saw the St. Peter's Episcopal Church and on arrival we saw that the church doors were locked and were about to leave but got lucky when an employee let us in for our own private tour. My first feeling on this church was that it could use some air conditioning but besides that it was beautiful. With the detailed arched way ceilings, the beautiful altar, the stained glass windows and the wooden organ that took up the whole upper section of the church was a pretty fascinating sight to see. After stopping at these two places, we went back on the High Line and stopped at the Chelsea Market for lunch.
This was my first experience in Chelsea Market so I didn't know what to expect. It was very crowded with many different options on places to eat. We were going to go to the Italian place but it ended up being too crowded and expensive so I went with an Italian sandwich and we found a place to sit and regroup before the walking started again. After about an hour of experiencing Chelsea Market we met up with the group outside and went off to the Meatpacking District and Greenwich Village. The district is filled with cute boutiques and up and coming fashion designers and is a cool place to hangout. After the Meatpacking Industry we made our way to the Village which is one of the most delightful residential areas of New York with remarkable row houses, and nightlife (ENY, pg. 110). I enjoy being able to see all these amazing houses in the city because I would one day love to live in the city and be apart of the new york experience. To our surprise we were ahead of schedule today so we were able to stop at the Jefferson Market Garden which is located on Greenwich Avenue and West 10th Street (ENY, pg. 112). Jefferson’s market at one point in time was a food market and then it was a women’s detention center and I learned that today the building is used as a library. Next stop of the day was to Washingon Square which was another first for me. It surrounds New York University which was fun to see. "In the late 1700s, this park was used for public executions with those convicted were hanged from “Hangman’s Elm” (ENY, pg. 117). The tree is still standing today and we saw it as we entered Washington Square Park. Mike told us that it is a 300 year old English elm tree standing at 110 feet high and it is the oldest tree in the city (ENY, pg. 117). I thought it was cool to see this tree that has been in existence for so long.
Next stop was the Merchant's House Museum where we would have a guided tour. "This house is a magnificently preserved Federal-style house that was built in 1832 by Joseph Bridget by speculation and sold to Seabury Tredwell who was a wealthy businessman in 1835" (ENY, pg. 121). Seabury Tredwell lived there with his wife Eliza, eight children, and four servants. Most of the furniture and decorations that were a part of the Tredwell’s everyday life are still intact. It is amazing to see how well preserved everything still is and how much information the tour guide was able to give us. We split up into two groups and my group started in “the parlor” which was the living and dining room. Here we saw all the furniture they would use and how that room would be used to entrain guests at parties and maybe even play the piano for entertainment. Whenever the Tredwell’s needed something to be done, the servants made the 97 step climb very often. The Tredwell’s had a bell system where the servants knew which room was making the call. The servants were on call 24 hours a day. The servants made little pay but had free room and board which was unusual at the time. The servants did not have a easy life and their living space was small and extremely hot. I enjoyed being able to see first hand how people use to live and even got to see clothes they would wear. After both groups finished the tour it was time to go to Cooper Square. The newly developed post-modern academic designed by Thom Mayne is known for the advancements of arts, sciences, and architecture was founded by Peter Cooper (ENY, pg. 122, 123). We entered through the revolving door and was able to see the amazing architecture from the lobby but we couldn't go past that.
We made a last stop at the Big Gay Ice Cream shop but i was too tired for ice cream and just wanted to get home. Everyone who did get it seemed to enjoy it. Once everyone was done some of us ventured back to Penn Station and had to take 2 subways to get there. I was happy to be able to find a seat on the train home and am now ready to start another adventure on Wednesday.
"What Chelsea is primarily known for today is its numerous art galleries, showcasing some of the world's most prominent contemporary art." (ENY, pg 107) We got to experience this great art firsthand. We had the opportunity to walk into multiple art galleries and I felt as if I was famous being able to see all this art firsthand. The first gallery we entered looked as it the art was a cartoon. I can't say it was my favorite one of the day and the people around me were amused by it so I kept my comments to myself. After visiting more and more galleries it became clear to me that something that can look so ordinary to me can be a beautiful piece of art to someone else. We saw a piece that to me just looked like broken ruble on the floor and to be honest I almost stepped on it but to the artist its an amazing piece that puts people in aw.
After being gallery hoppers we decided that we had worked up an appetite, but before lunch we visited Cushman's Row and St. Peter's Episcopal Church. These row houses were a sight to see and are considered to be occupied by "the area's more fashionable inhabitants." (ENY, pg 109) Next we saw the St. Peter's Episcopal Church and on arrival we saw that the church doors were locked and were about to leave but got lucky when an employee let us in for our own private tour. My first feeling on this church was that it could use some air conditioning but besides that it was beautiful. With the detailed arched way ceilings, the beautiful altar, the stained glass windows and the wooden organ that took up the whole upper section of the church was a pretty fascinating sight to see. After stopping at these two places, we went back on the High Line and stopped at the Chelsea Market for lunch.
This was my first experience in Chelsea Market so I didn't know what to expect. It was very crowded with many different options on places to eat. We were going to go to the Italian place but it ended up being too crowded and expensive so I went with an Italian sandwich and we found a place to sit and regroup before the walking started again. After about an hour of experiencing Chelsea Market we met up with the group outside and went off to the Meatpacking District and Greenwich Village. The district is filled with cute boutiques and up and coming fashion designers and is a cool place to hangout. After the Meatpacking Industry we made our way to the Village which is one of the most delightful residential areas of New York with remarkable row houses, and nightlife (ENY, pg. 110). I enjoy being able to see all these amazing houses in the city because I would one day love to live in the city and be apart of the new york experience. To our surprise we were ahead of schedule today so we were able to stop at the Jefferson Market Garden which is located on Greenwich Avenue and West 10th Street (ENY, pg. 112). Jefferson’s market at one point in time was a food market and then it was a women’s detention center and I learned that today the building is used as a library. Next stop of the day was to Washingon Square which was another first for me. It surrounds New York University which was fun to see. "In the late 1700s, this park was used for public executions with those convicted were hanged from “Hangman’s Elm” (ENY, pg. 117). The tree is still standing today and we saw it as we entered Washington Square Park. Mike told us that it is a 300 year old English elm tree standing at 110 feet high and it is the oldest tree in the city (ENY, pg. 117). I thought it was cool to see this tree that has been in existence for so long.
Next stop was the Merchant's House Museum where we would have a guided tour. "This house is a magnificently preserved Federal-style house that was built in 1832 by Joseph Bridget by speculation and sold to Seabury Tredwell who was a wealthy businessman in 1835" (ENY, pg. 121). Seabury Tredwell lived there with his wife Eliza, eight children, and four servants. Most of the furniture and decorations that were a part of the Tredwell’s everyday life are still intact. It is amazing to see how well preserved everything still is and how much information the tour guide was able to give us. We split up into two groups and my group started in “the parlor” which was the living and dining room. Here we saw all the furniture they would use and how that room would be used to entrain guests at parties and maybe even play the piano for entertainment. Whenever the Tredwell’s needed something to be done, the servants made the 97 step climb very often. The Tredwell’s had a bell system where the servants knew which room was making the call. The servants were on call 24 hours a day. The servants made little pay but had free room and board which was unusual at the time. The servants did not have a easy life and their living space was small and extremely hot. I enjoyed being able to see first hand how people use to live and even got to see clothes they would wear. After both groups finished the tour it was time to go to Cooper Square. The newly developed post-modern academic designed by Thom Mayne is known for the advancements of arts, sciences, and architecture was founded by Peter Cooper (ENY, pg. 122, 123). We entered through the revolving door and was able to see the amazing architecture from the lobby but we couldn't go past that.
We made a last stop at the Big Gay Ice Cream shop but i was too tired for ice cream and just wanted to get home. Everyone who did get it seemed to enjoy it. Once everyone was done some of us ventured back to Penn Station and had to take 2 subways to get there. I was happy to be able to find a seat on the train home and am now ready to start another adventure on Wednesday.