9/4/2014
Journal 1: New York State of Mind Pt. 1 (Before the Class)
Being
a transfer student from Hunter College, located on the Upper East Side, I grew
to know and love New York City. I did not know it at the time, but commuting
there, spending most of my days in Manhattan, and interacting with various
different people has altered my way of thinking to be more open minded. This is because New York City is the place of
unlimited possibilities. It is ever changing at lightning speed and I love the
fast paced movement of it all; whether it is walking, driving, ordering food,
or, my favorite, exchanging ideas. It is very easy to take in different perspectives
when the population is so diverse and compacted.
For example, I was once reading a book while eating lunch by the Museum of Modern Art when a gentleman came over to discuss the book with me. We ended up talking at great length and eventually he told me how he authored a book based on his experience as an undercover worker at a slaughterhouse for 5 months. The most interesting part of this encounter was the mere fact of being exposed to a new person and a new point of view.
For example, I was once reading a book while eating lunch by the Museum of Modern Art when a gentleman came over to discuss the book with me. We ended up talking at great length and eventually he told me how he authored a book based on his experience as an undercover worker at a slaughterhouse for 5 months. The most interesting part of this encounter was the mere fact of being exposed to a new person and a new point of view.
Most people may find one of my favorite parts of New York City bizarre: taking the subway during rush hour. Particularly when it’s crowded and the riders have to stand. In that moment, I am able to feel so alone and anonymous while still being surrounded by so many people. The sheer juxtaposition always reminds me of the overall theme that New York City is so contrasting; where all traits are thrown together to highlight and complement each others' differences. It is a place that can be completely business professional like the Financial District or outrageously bold and loud like Union Square.
With all these qualities packed into one city, anyone can find solace here. Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet in a library or museum or a roaring experience with a Broadway show in the Theater District, this is the place that has the best of all qualities. When I think of New York City the first thing to
come to my mind is "unlimited possibilities" because truly anything can happen here. I have had such unique and positive experiences in this city, but there is still so much left to explore. I look forward to expanding my horizons and knowledge with this course.
9/5/2014
Journal 2: The Hidden Historic Gems of Queens
Our journey begins by taking the E train from Penn Station up to Corona Ave. into Queens, our class walks past the citifield stadium to settle in the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. We discuss the origins of the Queens borough and how it came to be. Being taken over by the English, Queens County was originally named after Queen Catherine of Braganza (ENY p. 214). I’ve never truly appreciated the other boroughs compared to Manhattan. Having spent most of my time in Manhattan, the brightest and tallest borough, made me slightly biased. Regardless, I was excited to uncover more ground and find out all I could about Queens.
I certainly learned a lot this day. After Mike gave us a short lecture on the history of Queens, the World Fairs, and the Corona Ash Dump, we walked on to find the beautiful Unisphere. It weighs 700,000 lbs, measures 12 stories high and 120 feet diameter (Blue Guide p. 497). It was built for the second World Fair, finished in 1964 representing global interdependence. This part of Mike’s lecture was so comforting to me because it reiterates so much of what I believe New York City to be: the weaving of cultures not mixing together but rather placing them side by side to contrast and highlight each ones’ unique qualities. This sculpture symbolizing such unity was perfect for the theme of the 1964 World Fair: Peace through understanding (ENY p. 218).
We then entered the Queens Museum of Art, built for the sake of the 1939 World Fair. It was recently renovated, taking over the skating rink originally adjacent to it in order to make it a larger world class museum. It famously holds the amazing art piece, the Panorama. This piece is an exact replica of New York City made to be showcased in the 1964 World Fair. It covers over 9,000 square feet containing every single building of New York City built prior to 1992 (ENY p. 221). The other topographic phenomenon in this museum is the Watershed exhibit. Again it is a map based solely on the circulating water system of New York. I found it completely interesting, and very reassuring, to learn that the New York City water system provides the cleanest water due to the conservation of the Catskills Aqueduct.
We then ventured to Jackson Heights to a neighborhood of Queens known as “Little India.” It was mind blowing to hear Mike list all the different cultural food one can experience within a couple of blocks from each other! A few blocks north there was a Filipino restaurant while a block south was a Columbian restaurant. We lunched at The Jackson Diner which served buffet styled Indian Cuisine. I tried the goat curry, vegetable dumpling, chicken, naan, and other vegetable sauces I didn’t know the name of. Being a lover of trying new food, everything tasted incredible.
Onward we went to the Museum of Moving Image in Astoria. I’ve been there before, so it was surprising to learn it is the most popular attraction of Queens known worldwide. It is an eye opening and proud moment to know people from around the world travel to New York City and have this museum as part of their itinerary. This is because at one point in history, Astoria was a major location for the film industry, ranking alongside with Hollywood. The Players-Lasky Corporation was the most prominent studio in the country at the time and brought Astoria its fame. Unfortunately, the snowy New York weather thwarted directors away from filming at the location for long (Blue Guide p. 499). This museum contains the world’s largest collection of film relics such as costumes, technology, and items from major film sets (ENY p. 224). One part of the museum that caught my eye, literally, was the optical illusions section. Zoetropes are optical toys from the Victorian Era in the early 1800’s. When spun, the stationary image appears to be moving when the viewer looks through a small slot. It was so much fun trying out the different film production techniques here with my friends!
Our final stop was the Long Island City area. It was startling looking at old, rustic buildings compared to the more modern buildings as we walked closer to the East River. The transformation of revitalizing Long Island City was happening and spreading very quickly. The idea city officials had is that first class society will pay for housing in a location that has a waterfront view. They worked with this idea to create high quality apartments in a modest area, targeting the upper class, and then offering a high price for it. The middle class or poorer locals of the area are then hit with rent/mortgage payments higher than their means simply because of the transformation of the area. A british sociologist observed the whole process and called it gentrification. It affects blossoming neighborhoods and their inhabitants in New York’s boroughs. This process began in the 1960’s, but is a continuing problem because it pushes the middle and lower class out of their homes due to the skyrocketing prices (Blue Guide p. 23).
Here’s a link that shows how this problem of inflating real estate in New York City is getting out of hand: http://www.buzzfeed.com/benrosen/6-castles-that-cost-less-than-an-apartment-in-nyc
Here’s a link that shows how this problem of inflating real estate in New York City is getting out of hand: http://www.buzzfeed.com/benrosen/6-castles-that-cost-less-than-an-apartment-in-nyc
We finally reached the edge of the East River, Gantry State Park. Exploring this area was the perfect end to our day and might have been my favorite part. New York City isn’t known very well for its greenery, so being exposed to a beautiful waterfront with bountiful trees and a view of Manhattan’s skyline was breathtaking. We also had a great view of Roosevelt’s island and the Queensboro Bridge. There was a slight drizzle, but it was still warm and sunny. We even got to see a rainbow right next to the Queensboro Bridge! I’m glad I got to learn about so many great things Queens has to offer!
9/12/14
Journal 3: Brooklyn Takes the Crown...
… for a journey of jam-packed fun and for wonderful new food! Brooklyn is originally “Kings County,” named after the royal Dutch King Charles II, and has grown to be the biggest borough of New York (ENY p. 191). It truly is a charming and regal borough to explore!
Once we reach the Coney Island stop on the F train, we are told we have an hour to explore the area. It was cooler and windy in the morning on the way to Penn Station, but once we reach Coney Island it was scorching summer weather. We were lucky to have such perfect weather! Immediately I broke from the group to try the famous Grimaldi’s thin crust pizza I have heard so much about. It was amazing; I’ve never had a pizza with such a thin crust before. I found it peculiar they expected you to eat the pizza with a knife and fork. Given we only had an hour; I broke protocol and ate with my hands (as a normal person should). I then proceeded to walk the boardwalk and beach, satisfied in crossing off another thing from my bucket list. The boardwalk conveyed the atmosphere of ultimate relaxation. As it should, because Coney Island has been drawing in tourists since the Post Civil War Era with the fact it was a humble beach getaway from city life (ENY p.193). Unfortunately, due to Robert Moses’ pioneering expressways and the up rise in automobile usage, Coney Island has taken a fall with people choosing to vacation in the more tranquil Long Island beaches. (Blue Guide p. 492). Gentrification again comes into play hoping to revitalize the community, but brings along the controversial issue whether or not to maintain the carnival-like charm that defines Coney Island.
Once we reach the Coney Island stop on the F train, we are told we have an hour to explore the area. It was cooler and windy in the morning on the way to Penn Station, but once we reach Coney Island it was scorching summer weather. We were lucky to have such perfect weather! Immediately I broke from the group to try the famous Grimaldi’s thin crust pizza I have heard so much about. It was amazing; I’ve never had a pizza with such a thin crust before. I found it peculiar they expected you to eat the pizza with a knife and fork. Given we only had an hour; I broke protocol and ate with my hands (as a normal person should). I then proceeded to walk the boardwalk and beach, satisfied in crossing off another thing from my bucket list. The boardwalk conveyed the atmosphere of ultimate relaxation. As it should, because Coney Island has been drawing in tourists since the Post Civil War Era with the fact it was a humble beach getaway from city life (ENY p.193). Unfortunately, due to Robert Moses’ pioneering expressways and the up rise in automobile usage, Coney Island has taken a fall with people choosing to vacation in the more tranquil Long Island beaches. (Blue Guide p. 492). Gentrification again comes into play hoping to revitalize the community, but brings along the controversial issue whether or not to maintain the carnival-like charm that defines Coney Island.
When the group reunites at the Coney Island Subway Station, we all then take the subway to the Transit Museum which is actually a subway station in the making. It serves as the first stop in Brooklyn supposedly for the 2nd Avenue Subway meant to be finished by 2044. The station itself stores old railway carts from the past as well as other relics from subway stations dating back to the opening of the first subway on October 27th 1904 (Blue Guide p. 468). My favorite part was seeing an actual signal board working in real time and being able to locate subway trains making their way throughout Brooklyn. Learning about Sandhogs, and the fact they still exist today, blew my mind. The construction of subway tunnels has never truly crossed my mind and these construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs. “Sandhogs” is a term for the men digging subway tunnels that go under the river. They are the best paid construction workers in the country because of the risk they take every day working under such scary conditions. The statistic is for every mile of a subway track built, one sandhog is lost. This may be due to subway blow outs or disease process due to the immense pressure Sandhogs work under. This fresh information will certainly give me something to think about while riding subways from now on. I have a new found appreciation for my transportation and the men who create and build it.
Next we make our way to Brooklyn Heights- this neighborhood of Brooklyn was
so appealing! Between the brownstone houses and churches, it clearly was the
place to settle down and live humbly. Brooklyn Heights had the reputation for being
a wholesome place to raise a family, therefore had a plethora of churches.
Brownstone itself is cheap and actually from Connecticut, but its use gives the
distinct feeling of New York (ENY p 30). This place was the first area to
innovate and commute via steam ferry to work in Manhattan (ENY p 201). I
imagine this community as the beginnings of suburbia with the family integrating
with the community while the breadwinners cross the East river to work.
Although Brooklyn holds so many beautiful churches; we saw two churches of importance as a highlight of our trip: The Plymouth Church of Pilgrims and The Church of St. Ann and the Holy Trinity. The Plymouth Church of 1849 had a serene lawn with the statue of Henry Ward Beecher, the first minister of the church that brought on crowds of people just to hear his sermons. This includes President Abraham Lincoln, also depicted in a relief portrait in the garden (Blue Guide p 467). The Church of St. Ann was one of my favorites to see. The Gothic revival architecture was timeless and really stood out next to the green trees on one side and greek revival architecture based buildings to the other side of it (ENY p 204).
Although Brooklyn holds so many beautiful churches; we saw two churches of importance as a highlight of our trip: The Plymouth Church of Pilgrims and The Church of St. Ann and the Holy Trinity. The Plymouth Church of 1849 had a serene lawn with the statue of Henry Ward Beecher, the first minister of the church that brought on crowds of people just to hear his sermons. This includes President Abraham Lincoln, also depicted in a relief portrait in the garden (Blue Guide p 467). The Church of St. Ann was one of my favorites to see. The Gothic revival architecture was timeless and really stood out next to the green trees on one side and greek revival architecture based buildings to the other side of it (ENY p 204).
We saw some other sights in the area like The Brooklyn Borough Hall and the Brooklyn Historical Society.
The Brooklyn Borough Hall, built in 1848, was breathtaking to see, it was covered in an American flag and the monumental columns were set in a Doric fashion. There are 3 different and distinct main types of Greek columns. Doric is the oldest and most plain, but the columns are timeless and bold. Ionic columns are paired with Doric to be considered Greek Revival when used in more current builds of today. They are distinguished by the small detailed curves or spirals they have at the ends of the column. Corinthian is in its own league and labeled as Bozar if implemented in one of today’s structures. This design is the most outrageous of the three where the columns branch out like leaves of a tree. The Brooklyn Borough Hall building was a homage to Greek democracy, where our own nation’s government is based upon (ENY p.29).
The Brooklyn Historical Society was a treat to pass by as well. In the United States, it contains the largest collections of material about its county. It was originally the Long Island Historical Society until renamed in 1985, now serves to pour out knowledge in the form of books, relics, and other educational services (ENY p 205).
The Brooklyn Borough Hall, built in 1848, was breathtaking to see, it was covered in an American flag and the monumental columns were set in a Doric fashion. There are 3 different and distinct main types of Greek columns. Doric is the oldest and most plain, but the columns are timeless and bold. Ionic columns are paired with Doric to be considered Greek Revival when used in more current builds of today. They are distinguished by the small detailed curves or spirals they have at the ends of the column. Corinthian is in its own league and labeled as Bozar if implemented in one of today’s structures. This design is the most outrageous of the three where the columns branch out like leaves of a tree. The Brooklyn Borough Hall building was a homage to Greek democracy, where our own nation’s government is based upon (ENY p.29).
The Brooklyn Historical Society was a treat to pass by as well. In the United States, it contains the largest collections of material about its county. It was originally the Long Island Historical Society until renamed in 1985, now serves to pour out knowledge in the form of books, relics, and other educational services (ENY p 205).
Brooklyn Heights Promenade was a serene sight to take in while also rich in history. Here the Battle of Long Island, August 29th, 1776, is where George Washington took his troops in the Revolutionary War retreating from Brooklyn Heights to Manhattan. It was considered a defeat in the eyes of the British, but the Americans were able to restore their strength in order to continue in battle (ENY p 191).
After walking around Brooklyn and seeing buildings clumped together, Brooklyn Bridge Park was a stunning sight with the greenery and open space. We got to enjoy an amazing live band by the water as we took in the unique sight of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and Williamsburg Bridge in one scene. We then walk over to Dumbo (down under the manhattan bridge overpass). Here I was super excited because Mike kept building up the suspense for the best and authentic ice cream in Brooklyn, Jacques Torres Chocolate. The wait was well worth it. I got the recommended salted caramel ice cream in a cone and it was a wonderful combination of sweet and salty. After my other satisfying food accomplishment and some good live music, we cross the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The origin of how the oldest suspension bridge in America came to be is an incredible journey in itself. Beginning from Pre-Civil War Era, Washington Roebling took over construction of the bridge from his father who died tragically. Unfortunately, Roebling fell ill as well which led his wife, Emily, to continue construction. She was the envoy between her husband and the crew members while also having to learn the math and engineering behind the construction. Finally completed in 1883, the bridge still stands strong and sturdy as ever although being built half on bedrock and half on sand (ENY p. 208).
As I mentioned in the beginning of this entry; this day was filled with so many new and wonderful experiences! Can't wait for the next Brooklyn adventure!
As I mentioned in the beginning of this entry; this day was filled with so many new and wonderful experiences! Can't wait for the next Brooklyn adventure!
9/19/14
Journal 4: The Queen of Lower Chelsea
We start our journey where we usually do every week, except this week it is part of our tour: Penn Station. Always the starting point of my city voyage and yet I know so little about it! It was made in 1910 co-constructed by the famous Stanford White and considered one of the greatest buildings in New York City at the time. Until the upper part was demolished in 1963 in order to remain within the city’s financial budget (ENY p.114). The General Post Office was co-designed by White again in 1913 meant to resemble the older, more luxurious Penn Station (Blue Guide p.196).
The class then heads from Midtown towards Chelsea! I always get excited arriving in this area. It is full of culture with the plethora of art galleries, outlined by great places to grab food (amazing restaurants and the Chelsea market) and a water view that is Chelsea Piers. I cannot ever imagine myself getting bored in this area of Manhattan. While we were walking I had this song by one of my favorite bands stuck in my head. Chelsea was the setting of the song and inspired the title of this week’s journal entry!
In the 18th century when lower Manhattan was blossoming, it also sprung out with a great Cholera outbreak. The wealthy moved north into the area that is now Chelsea. I can now connect the beautiful appeal Chelsea has to its origins. In the 1970’s, it fell into the atmosphere of grime as industrialization and Irish immigrants populated the area (ENY p.83). We start the tour of Chelsea on the Highline, another favorite spot of mine. It was originally the 10th Avenue, or “death avenue,” train line in the 19th century, but was closed due to the many deaths it caused. There was great controversy what to do with it until recently in 2006 it became the above ground park that locals and tourists now love (ENY p. 84). I can't wait for the new section of the Highline to be opened this coming Sunday! Again, gentrification has followed the masses. With a great park, waterview, and the center of art culture there is a demand for real estate. Many older buildings have been replaced with newer and modern buildings, most with “for rent” signs. The middle and lower class that used to inhabit the area can no longer afford to live there and must migrate.
After an accidental and extended stay on the Highline, we do a super quick hit and run art gallery hopping of Chelsea! Wish we could have stayed longer, but the day was young and full of other plans ahead. The art galleries make Chelsea so special, but there are far too many to visit and appreciate all in one afternoon. Two galleries that stuck out to me were the Unix and Danese Corey. The artist showcased in Unix was KwangHo Shin. His bold colored oils and abstract strokes of paint create unique and vivid portraits that stray from traditional form. His work has also been showcased in South Korea- his home country and Berlin, Germany. Deborah Butterfield had a completely different theme in her exhibition being shown in Danese Corey. Her wooden trunk sculptures of horses were simple and bare, yet were so intricate in how the wood intertwined together. The Californian Native has had her work showcased in Seattle, Dallas, Israel, Miami, and numerous other places around the US.
We then enter Meritta’s native neighborhood-Greenwich Village! Also another charming area filled with wholesome residential property from the early 19th century when the area was considered the suburb of New York City (ENY p. 88). It has wildly changed throughout the years, becoming the center mecca for hippies in the 1950’s to 1960’s and finally a place where only the elite live due to extremely expensive rent fees. We stop by the Jefferson Market Garden and Library, a place I’ve never seen before. The design of the Library, originally a courthouse when it was built in 1877), was inspired by King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria (ENY p. 91). I love Gothic styled buildings so I hope to one day visit again to truly appreciate the structure for more than a glance.
We then walk by Christopher Street where the wave of Gay Rights Movement in New York starts. This was the area that held a secret gay community. In 1969, riots took place at the Stonewall Inn to fight for equal gay rights (ENY p.92). This was the starting point for the Gay Rights Movement and a year later began the tradition of the Gay Pride Parade, which continues to this day.
I did not recognize Washington Square Park when we first enter. I’ve only entered the park from one side and recognize it for its arch! The walkway towards the arch is filled with greenery and benches. Again the designer Stanford White has left his mark in New York City. He created the iconic arch to resemble the Arc de Triomphe in Paris (ENY p.95).
As we walk onward, we find a hidden street called Washington Mews. The original cobblestone was still intact halfway through the street, it looked very charming the way it was preserved. This area was used in the 19th century for carriage stables and horses and used to be a connecting point between the East and Hudson Rivers (ENY 96).
I did not recognize Washington Square Park when we first enter. I’ve only entered the park from one side and recognize it for its arch! The walkway towards the arch is filled with greenery and benches. Again the designer Stanford White has left his mark in New York City. He created the iconic arch to resemble the Arc de Triomphe in Paris (ENY p.95).
As we walk onward, we find a hidden street called Washington Mews. The original cobblestone was still intact halfway through the street, it looked very charming the way it was preserved. This area was used in the 19th century for carriage stables and horses and used to be a connecting point between the East and Hudson Rivers (ENY 96).
Finally, one of the best parts of the day, food time! We break for lunch and decide to meet back with everyone in front of the historic Café Wha? Classic artists such as Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix performed here (Blue Guide p 137)! I grabbed delicious lamb gyros at a Mediterranean place called Turkiss.
With new fuel, we make our way to the Merchant’s House Museum. The house itself was interesting with its Federal style architecture on the outside of the building and Greek Revival style on the interior. I was grateful to receive an extensive tour of each level of the house. I got a feel for what the culture was like in the time period of the early 19th century. There was a special family room in the basement where all the intimate moments of the family take place. There were gorgeously decorated rooms on the first floor, but it was only used for entertainment when guests were around. The basement family room was more simple and bare. Only close friends and family members were allowed here. This multipurpose room usage ranged from where the family ate dinner to where the children finished their homework. By the fireplace there was a “platewarmer”- considered the original microwave of the time because the family would warm food there. It was interesting learning in this time period many people preferred to be sick and die at home rather than going to a hospital. The father of the household and the daughter, Gertrude, both died in the Merchant’s House. There are tales of ghost sightings and activity throughout the years.
After the grand tour of the Merchant’s House we walk to the East Village. How I love this place! I’ve been in this area numerous times, it was a comfort coming back and seeing familiar places that held fond memories. We pass by Astor Place stop connected to the 6 line and I learn some new information about the man who impacted the area. John Jacob Astor was originally a fur trader, which explains the beaver mosaics at the Astor Place stop. He then went into real estate and continued to develop the community. We pass the Cooper Union Foundation Building, which I’ve done countless times, but now I know the history that lies on the land. President Lincoln stood here in 1860 to make the Cooper Union Address during the Civil War (ENY p.103). Mike, with his masterful ways, got us into the new Cooper Union building! It was very futuristic, resembling a beehive to show off the constant activity that goes on in the school.
We end the class walking past my favorite place, St. Marks Place, and around Alphabet City. I’ve never ventured into Alphabet City, so it was great to broaden my horizons. We reach Tompkins Square Park where we learn about the great struggles the community had to endure just to keep the land they lived on. The people of the community were known for their strong opinions. It was stated wordlessly through the revisions done in Tompkins Square Park. In 1910- the remake of the Park consisted of adding fences and taking out the band shell. This was done to discourage groups from forming. There were plenty of riots but the first major one was in 1863 against drafts for the civil war. Another highlighted riot was in 1988 when gentrification was taking over (ENY p.107). We also had the pleasure of stepping into one of the local’s community gardens! The community was hosting a fair celebrating the garden. It was an honor to be welcomed into the garden and I even bonded with one of the residents about the Climate March we were attending the upcoming Sunday. The video below quickly pans by the recycled flower decorations made from plastic and metal soda cans. This prevents people from jumping over the fence while embellishing the entrance of the garden!
This has been one of my absolute favorite days because not only did I get to spend time in a place I know and love, but I got to learn really great facts about the area too!