JOURNAL 1
Impressions of New York
New York City, in my opinion one of the most beautiful cities in the United States, and I have been to several different
cities. The atmosphere is incredible, and the fact that you can go from one neighborhood to another and the people will be completely different and the scenery is either exceptionally gorgeous, or a little intimidating to say the least, is a fascinating feature. I think it's amazing that such a wonderful city is only a train ride away, which I am grateful for. I feel that when going into the city it
is foolish to go to the same place, there are so many wonderful shops, restaurants and towns that nothing should be repeated but rather explored. I can truly say that I have been in the city a hand full of times and each time I have come across something new that always amazes me; whether it's graffiti, or buildings, or even fountains, I feel that each place has a story. I am looking forward to this class because I can not wait to discover more of the city on a more residental level, not exploring things that a particular tourist would. The fact that there are so many different types of people in the city, that all come together because they have similar beliefs and desires and aren't judged for it is pretty incredible. I think New York City allows people to be individuals and stand up for things they believe in whether or not the opinion is the same as others. I also think that being in the city is eventful and truly difficult to feel lonely, all the honking, lights and people contantly being around really make such an experience.
New York City, in my opinion one of the most beautiful cities in the United States, and I have been to several different
cities. The atmosphere is incredible, and the fact that you can go from one neighborhood to another and the people will be completely different and the scenery is either exceptionally gorgeous, or a little intimidating to say the least, is a fascinating feature. I think it's amazing that such a wonderful city is only a train ride away, which I am grateful for. I feel that when going into the city it
is foolish to go to the same place, there are so many wonderful shops, restaurants and towns that nothing should be repeated but rather explored. I can truly say that I have been in the city a hand full of times and each time I have come across something new that always amazes me; whether it's graffiti, or buildings, or even fountains, I feel that each place has a story. I am looking forward to this class because I can not wait to discover more of the city on a more residental level, not exploring things that a particular tourist would. The fact that there are so many different types of people in the city, that all come together because they have similar beliefs and desires and aren't judged for it is pretty incredible. I think New York City allows people to be individuals and stand up for things they believe in whether or not the opinion is the same as others. I also think that being in the city is eventful and truly difficult to feel lonely, all the honking, lights and people contantly being around really make such an experience.
Quixotic Queens
During our first class in New York City, I experienced more sights than I even imagined. We first went to Bryant Park, which was a beautiful park in my opinion. I thought it was so clean looking and a nice park to relax and enjoy the weather. Bryant Park was named after William Cullen Bryant, whom was a writer, abolitionist and proponent of Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In the 1970s, Bryant Park was filled with drug dealers and muggers, but everything turned around in the 80s (Blue Guide). Today, Bryant Park is filled with restaurants, kiosks, and events that keep people entertained. A couple years ago my sister and I went into Bryant Park at night and saw a movie in the park, which was not only a nice atmosphere, but it was also free!
During our first class in New York City, I experienced more sights than I even imagined. We first went to Bryant Park, which was a beautiful park in my opinion. I thought it was so clean looking and a nice park to relax and enjoy the weather. Bryant Park was named after William Cullen Bryant, whom was a writer, abolitionist and proponent of Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In the 1970s, Bryant Park was filled with drug dealers and muggers, but everything turned around in the 80s (Blue Guide). Today, Bryant Park is filled with restaurants, kiosks, and events that keep people entertained. A couple years ago my sister and I went into Bryant Park at night and saw a movie in the park, which was not only a nice atmosphere, but it was also free!
When I was told that Penn Station was once nicer than Grand Central Terminal, I was in disbelief. I think that Grand Central is one of the most beautiful places in NYC. I think the inside, the chandlers, the ticket booths, the little stores inside; every aspect of it is absolutely gorgeous. It has been said that the best view of the terminal is from Park Avenue. In 1994 and 1998, the station interior was restored, which added escalators, air conditional and the Grand Central Market.
As we were walking, and looking into the NYC skyline, we were able to see the Chrysler Building, which is located at 405 Lexington Ave. This beautiful building was built by Walter P. Chrysler, and it was completed in 1930, amongst being one of New York’s finest Art Deco buildings.
My favorite part of today was going to Long Island City, and seeing all the graffiti on the buildings. The talent that some of those artists have, and the fact that they just need a spray can bottle and a building wall, and are able to make these magnificent images, and paintings is incredible to me. I think my favorite piece of graffiti was the one image of the young boy, and then image then gradually goes onto the side walk making it look three demential.
In Astoria, we went to the Museum of the Moving Image. To be honest, I never heard or knew that this museum existed. As we entered the building, it seemed cold, everything was white but as you continued to walk, there were pictures, and masks, and movie props that were interesting to see. One of my favorites was from Tut’s Fever Movie Palace, which was where classic serials are shown, which contain Egyptoid figures. This museum also had old televisions and cameras that went from different sizes, and styles as years progressed to later centuries.
Lastly, the Smallpox Hospital, which was located on Roosevelt Island. NYC had large outbreaks of the smallpox vaccine, which infected the immigrants that were coming to NYC. In 1875, the hospital closed and became a training center for nurses. This Hospital was designed in the Gothic Revival style. In 1903-1905 (Blue Guide), two wings were added to the school to accommodate the growing student base. I also thought that this was an interesting site to see since I am a nursing major, and this school/hospital was one of the first school's for nursing majors.
As we were walking, and looking into the NYC skyline, we were able to see the Chrysler Building, which is located at 405 Lexington Ave. This beautiful building was built by Walter P. Chrysler, and it was completed in 1930, amongst being one of New York’s finest Art Deco buildings.
My favorite part of today was going to Long Island City, and seeing all the graffiti on the buildings. The talent that some of those artists have, and the fact that they just need a spray can bottle and a building wall, and are able to make these magnificent images, and paintings is incredible to me. I think my favorite piece of graffiti was the one image of the young boy, and then image then gradually goes onto the side walk making it look three demential.
In Astoria, we went to the Museum of the Moving Image. To be honest, I never heard or knew that this museum existed. As we entered the building, it seemed cold, everything was white but as you continued to walk, there were pictures, and masks, and movie props that were interesting to see. One of my favorites was from Tut’s Fever Movie Palace, which was where classic serials are shown, which contain Egyptoid figures. This museum also had old televisions and cameras that went from different sizes, and styles as years progressed to later centuries.
Lastly, the Smallpox Hospital, which was located on Roosevelt Island. NYC had large outbreaks of the smallpox vaccine, which infected the immigrants that were coming to NYC. In 1875, the hospital closed and became a training center for nurses. This Hospital was designed in the Gothic Revival style. In 1903-1905 (Blue Guide), two wings were added to the school to accommodate the growing student base. I also thought that this was an interesting site to see since I am a nursing major, and this school/hospital was one of the first school's for nursing majors.
Bodacious Brooklyn
Today we started the day by taking the F train into Coney Island. The trip itself was supposed to be only 45 minutes, but it ended up being nearly two hours. In my opinion the trip was worth it. I had been to Coney Island when I was younger with my grandparents, but I feel as if it is more exhilarating now. Coney Island is the birthplace of the hot-dog which Gina, Laura, Joann and I were able to enjoy.
The Dutch settled Coney Island, and it was started by the Coney Island Hotel in 1829. Today, Coney Island is a tremendous amusement park, with roller coasters, thrilling rides, and a boardwalk occupied by several restaurants and beach shops. Three classic rides of Coney Island are the Parachute Jump, Cyclone roller coaster, and the Wonder Wheel (Blue Guide). Unfortunately we were unable to go on any of the rides, but they looked very amusing.
We also went to the New York Transit Museum, which was built in 1936. This was the first stop in Brooklyn for the 2nd ave subway, although it was never completed. The 1970s was a rough time for the subways; there was a lot of crime and vandalizing occurring. But in 1976 the exhibit was opened to explain the train carts, and how important these subways are and the impact of them connecting the city together. This transit was a working subway station, and there was electricity working on the tracts. The plan was to have it completed in 2016.
A little history that we were taught in the Museum was that in 1827 the way of transportation was through horse carriage. It then progressed in the 1830s to horse drawn carriages that were pled along the tracts. The problem with horse drawn carriages was that there was in abundance in horse manure, and the stench was outrageous. In the 1860s, elevated trains were created, but they were not powered by electricity, they were steam locomotives. This slowly ended due to the worst blizzard in NYC history, there was over 50 inches of snow and it piled up and people were stuck in the trains.
The Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims was another building we got to see today. The first minister was Henry Ward Beecher, in 1813-1887, and he protested the Fugitive Slave Lave of 1850. His main promise was to shelter the fugitive slaves and treat them with equality. Beecher also held mock slave auctions at the church to raise money to buy slaves freedom (Blue Guide).
Lastly, we went to down town Brooklyn, which had the most spectacular views of Manhattan. The view of the skyline was incredible, and it made me contemplate that if I were to move into the city I think I would rather live in Brooklyn than Manhattan. We crossed over the bridge to get back into Manhattan, which is apparently one mile, I personally feel as if it is longer. But, the views from this bridge were also astonishing. I thought it was pretty amazing to see Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Statue of Liberty, all from standing on the bridge.
Today we started the day by taking the F train into Coney Island. The trip itself was supposed to be only 45 minutes, but it ended up being nearly two hours. In my opinion the trip was worth it. I had been to Coney Island when I was younger with my grandparents, but I feel as if it is more exhilarating now. Coney Island is the birthplace of the hot-dog which Gina, Laura, Joann and I were able to enjoy.
The Dutch settled Coney Island, and it was started by the Coney Island Hotel in 1829. Today, Coney Island is a tremendous amusement park, with roller coasters, thrilling rides, and a boardwalk occupied by several restaurants and beach shops. Three classic rides of Coney Island are the Parachute Jump, Cyclone roller coaster, and the Wonder Wheel (Blue Guide). Unfortunately we were unable to go on any of the rides, but they looked very amusing.
We also went to the New York Transit Museum, which was built in 1936. This was the first stop in Brooklyn for the 2nd ave subway, although it was never completed. The 1970s was a rough time for the subways; there was a lot of crime and vandalizing occurring. But in 1976 the exhibit was opened to explain the train carts, and how important these subways are and the impact of them connecting the city together. This transit was a working subway station, and there was electricity working on the tracts. The plan was to have it completed in 2016.
A little history that we were taught in the Museum was that in 1827 the way of transportation was through horse carriage. It then progressed in the 1830s to horse drawn carriages that were pled along the tracts. The problem with horse drawn carriages was that there was in abundance in horse manure, and the stench was outrageous. In the 1860s, elevated trains were created, but they were not powered by electricity, they were steam locomotives. This slowly ended due to the worst blizzard in NYC history, there was over 50 inches of snow and it piled up and people were stuck in the trains.
The Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims was another building we got to see today. The first minister was Henry Ward Beecher, in 1813-1887, and he protested the Fugitive Slave Lave of 1850. His main promise was to shelter the fugitive slaves and treat them with equality. Beecher also held mock slave auctions at the church to raise money to buy slaves freedom (Blue Guide).
Lastly, we went to down town Brooklyn, which had the most spectacular views of Manhattan. The view of the skyline was incredible, and it made me contemplate that if I were to move into the city I think I would rather live in Brooklyn than Manhattan. We crossed over the bridge to get back into Manhattan, which is apparently one mile, I personally feel as if it is longer. But, the views from this bridge were also astonishing. I thought it was pretty amazing to see Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Statue of Liberty, all from standing on the bridge.
A Tale of Three Villages
Today’s class involved a lot of walking, but many stop offs at streets, and buildings that were an interesting part of history. We walked onto Christopher Street, which was the major street of New York’s gay and lesbian community. This area is one of the largest in the community, and as we walked throughout it there were many gay pride flags and banners, which I thought was interesting.
A little history on Christopher Park is that Wouter Van Twiller developed it from 1633 to 1638 as a tobacco farm, and after he passed away it was divided into three farms; the Trinity Church and Elbert Herring farms to the south and Sir Peter Warren’s farm to the north. The road was once called Skinner Road, and then later was called Christopher Street, which honored Charles Christopher Amos, an heir of the Warren family. This park also had two statues, one statue had two women sitting on a bench together, and the other had two men standing beside each other (Blue Guide).
One of my favorite aspects of New York City is the gardens and parks, which we were able to see many of. Washington Square Park was one of the parks we went to today, which was very pretty. I think its amazing that in the middle of all these busy streets and buildings, there is a green serene area for people to just lay on the grass and relax. I also enjoy being able to people watch, and see the different ways people act, and the different outfits they wear, which we were definitely able to see.
In the East Village we went into the Merchant’s house, which had the inside and outside preserved from the 19th century. It was built in 1832, and was a home to a prosperous merchant family and their Irish servants for almost 100 years. The home had several rooms that contained the family’s original furnishing and personal possessions. My favorite aspect of the house was the chandelier’s that hung tall from the ceilings (Blue Guide). I also enjoyed the kitchen, with the stove made of brick, which made the bread. The design and royalty that this house represented was outstanding.
Lastly we went to the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space. I personally thought that this aspect of today was a little dry. We were brought to a few different grassroots and public spaces that each neighborhood renowned. We learned about composition, and that the individuals caught drain water from the rain in order to use it to water the plants. I personally enjoy the parks over these little “grassroots”.
Today was filled with some pretty good food, but delicious drinks. Joann, Gina, Laura and I went to a little Mexican Restaurant where we got delicious margaritas and tasty chicken quesadillas. We also finished the day with cupcakes, which were also delicious.
Today’s class involved a lot of walking, but many stop offs at streets, and buildings that were an interesting part of history. We walked onto Christopher Street, which was the major street of New York’s gay and lesbian community. This area is one of the largest in the community, and as we walked throughout it there were many gay pride flags and banners, which I thought was interesting.
A little history on Christopher Park is that Wouter Van Twiller developed it from 1633 to 1638 as a tobacco farm, and after he passed away it was divided into three farms; the Trinity Church and Elbert Herring farms to the south and Sir Peter Warren’s farm to the north. The road was once called Skinner Road, and then later was called Christopher Street, which honored Charles Christopher Amos, an heir of the Warren family. This park also had two statues, one statue had two women sitting on a bench together, and the other had two men standing beside each other (Blue Guide).
One of my favorite aspects of New York City is the gardens and parks, which we were able to see many of. Washington Square Park was one of the parks we went to today, which was very pretty. I think its amazing that in the middle of all these busy streets and buildings, there is a green serene area for people to just lay on the grass and relax. I also enjoy being able to people watch, and see the different ways people act, and the different outfits they wear, which we were definitely able to see.
In the East Village we went into the Merchant’s house, which had the inside and outside preserved from the 19th century. It was built in 1832, and was a home to a prosperous merchant family and their Irish servants for almost 100 years. The home had several rooms that contained the family’s original furnishing and personal possessions. My favorite aspect of the house was the chandelier’s that hung tall from the ceilings (Blue Guide). I also enjoyed the kitchen, with the stove made of brick, which made the bread. The design and royalty that this house represented was outstanding.
Lastly we went to the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space. I personally thought that this aspect of today was a little dry. We were brought to a few different grassroots and public spaces that each neighborhood renowned. We learned about composition, and that the individuals caught drain water from the rain in order to use it to water the plants. I personally enjoy the parks over these little “grassroots”.
Today was filled with some pretty good food, but delicious drinks. Joann, Gina, Laura and I went to a little Mexican Restaurant where we got delicious margaritas and tasty chicken quesadillas. We also finished the day with cupcakes, which were also delicious.
East of the Park
The Museum of the City of New York was founded in 1923 and explores the history of the city from the early days of the Dutch colonies until today. As we entered the museum we came across different illustrations by painters and their images and opinions of Central Park. Laura, Gina, Joann, and I took pictures in front of some of these images as if we were standing in the park. We then went into the theater which had a 25 minute film that expressed the growth of the city, from the to struggles to the up-roaring city. One exhibit that caught my eye was the Henry Street Settlement and the Visiting Nurse Station. In 1893, two young nurse moved into lower east side to offer medical services to poor immigrants living in tenements. Lillian D. walk helped create the field of public health nursing. In the case there was a first aid kit from back then that contained a less complex form of equipment than we have now.
Then we went to el Museo Del Barrio which is a museum that is focused on Puerto Rican, Caribbean and Latin American culture. Communist activists, teachers, and artists founded it in 1969 (Blue Guide). It was more of a walking tour, which we were able to see street graffiti and paintings from different artists. One of my favorite murals was Manny Vegas “Espiritu”, the colors and the different types of stained class were incredible. I also thought it was really interesting that there were dice and dominos incorporated into the mural.
As we were in East Harlem, I had heard that it wasn’t the best of neighborhoods and I personally feel that it is not a place that I would go to on my own. I thought the graffiti aspect of it was gorgeous but I personally didn’t feel as safe and comfortable as I do in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Walking through Central Park was gorgeous; it is one of my favorite places in the City. It is located in the middle of Manhattan, and was opened in 1857, and the Frederick Kaw Olmsted and Calvert Vaux improved and expanded the park. We passes through the Loeb Boathouse, which has rowboats and kayaks, which several couples were going throughout the lake. There is also a gorgeous fountain located right by this area, and there were several couples taking wedding pictures to capture the beauty of it. We also passed horse and carriages, ponds, and Strawberry Fields.
Lastly, we ended the day at FAO Schwarz, which is a tremendous toy store that also has a bunch of different candies. The size of some of these stuffed animals was outrageous, and some of the stuffed animals were nearly as tall as I am. It is definitely a place I will have to bring my little cousins to.