Journal 2
East of the Park
Today's class began in East Harlem. East Harlem's community is constantly changing. The train system is what brought people up to East Harlem. Originally it was German and Italian immigrants, now it's a large Puerto Rican community. Easy Harlem is also known as Spanish Harlem or El Barrio, which mean "the neighborhood" (BG, 376). Due to housing projects many poor and low income people filled the streets of East Harlem. Its one of the many reasons for high crime. Currently, the crime level has decreased as a result of gentrification.
We started at the Museum of the City of New York founded in1923 (BG, 376). It has recently been found that the young upwardly mobile, who are generally in their 20s are looking to live in the city. Unfortunately for the upwardly mobile, the city is not exactly cheap. So the city came up with new projects to make young up and coming apartments. On the third floor of the Museum of the City of New York is a life sized example of these new apartments. The apartment was 325 square feet, filled with all appliances one would need. Personally I thought it was a cute apartment, until it came to my attention that the bedroom is also the living room. On the second floor of the museum is a small theatre area. There, the class watched a half hour movie on the history of the New York City. It began with the Native Americans occupying the island to how it is today. The city also displays exhibits with painting, ship models, maps, and prints (BG, 376).
From one museum to the next. The class made its way up the block and found ourselves inside the El Museo Del Barrio. There we met our tour-guide Beverly, who brought us on a outdoor tour. As we walked the streets by 104th street, the blocks we flowing with the loosened fire hydrants water. Beverly took the class to see mural paintings and community gardens. Of the murals there was one called The Spirit of East Harlem. Painted by Hank Prussing in 1973, it portrays the Spanish Harlem community. Now that Prussing has past, his assistant Manny Vega takes care of the murals up keep. Just across the street is another mural of man by the name of Pedro Pietri. A Vietnam veteran and writer, Pietri came home to his community being mistreat. As a result, Pietri became an activist for Spanish civil rights and worked with the Young Lords. The civil rights bill was passed in 1969.
Within East Harlem there are 4 community gardens. In one of them, there is a mural painted on the wall of a building. The mural represents the unity of Puerto Rico and Mexico, as the Mexican community is growing quite quickly in East Harlem. Throughout this community are several more murals, many of them illustrated by Manny Vega. Majority of these murals are funded by the Hope Community Incorporated, which was founded 1968. The nonprofit organizations works to improve the streets of East Harlem. On the tour, Beverly took the group into a shop that was established in 1930. The man is the third generation owner of a old fashion remedy store. He states he works on hope, that hope is what we live on and that we all need to be opened minded.
After we broke for lunch. Together the class walked through Central Park. Between the 1930s-1950's New York quadrupled in size. By the 1950s it was decided that the park of New York will be Central Park. After winning a competition, Frederick Law Olmsted designed the park and it was not till the 1870s that park was completed. Pieces of the palisades are laid out throughout the 843 acres of land (BG, 279). The park was intended for workers, as well as the wealthy. For a period of the time, the park went a downward spiral but then Robert Moses restored the park. By the 1970s the park was at its worst, with high crime rates. It was not safe to go in at night. By the 80's the park was restored again. Today, Central Park is one of the safest areas in New York City and over 25 million people visit the park every year (BG, 281). In Central Park we had an official class, where we discussed what we've learned, as well as our likes and dislikes thus far. After, we strolled through the park by the reservoir and along 5th avenue.
The class ended the day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as "The Met" is one of the largest museums in the world. More than 5 million people visit the Met every year. Over 2 million pieces of art are displayed in the museum, touching base with the whole world and human civilization (BG, 326). As a group we made our way through the Punk Fashion section. I personally loved it! In fact one room I felt like the ensembles reminded me Edward Scissorhands costumes. The designs were so bold and exciting. After, we observed abstract and pop art paintings. We saw paintings by Pollock and Johns who are abstract artists. I'm pretty sure that Jackson Pollocks painting titled Autumn Rhythm, was featured in the recent film Contraband. When looking at Pollocks drip paintings, you can not help but to feel the freedom within his work. Featured just around the corner was Jasper Johns' White Flag painting (1955) (BG, 336). His abstract impressionism pieces are generally commonplace two-dimensional objects, like the flag. I loved the white flag painting. There was something about it. It showed its beauty through the washed out tones. Before class was dismissed, we had the opportunity to wander through the museum. I chose to make may way to the 19th century European paintings on the second floor. I wanted to find my mothers favorite painting, In the Meadow by Auguste Renoir. When I found it, I got lost in its beauty. The Met describes the painting as celebrating youthful innocence. Maybe thats why my mother loves it so much, she always said it reminded her of my sister and I. Glad with my findings, it was a great way to end the day.
Overall, the day was miserable. The sweltering heat was unbearable and suffocating. Besides for the weather, I unfortunately also started the day on the wrong foot, which affected my mood throughout the day. I tried my best to make the best of this class but by the time we got to the Met, it was very difficult to provide my undivided attention. Hopefully, the last three classes will not be as hot.
Today's class began in East Harlem. East Harlem's community is constantly changing. The train system is what brought people up to East Harlem. Originally it was German and Italian immigrants, now it's a large Puerto Rican community. Easy Harlem is also known as Spanish Harlem or El Barrio, which mean "the neighborhood" (BG, 376). Due to housing projects many poor and low income people filled the streets of East Harlem. Its one of the many reasons for high crime. Currently, the crime level has decreased as a result of gentrification.
We started at the Museum of the City of New York founded in1923 (BG, 376). It has recently been found that the young upwardly mobile, who are generally in their 20s are looking to live in the city. Unfortunately for the upwardly mobile, the city is not exactly cheap. So the city came up with new projects to make young up and coming apartments. On the third floor of the Museum of the City of New York is a life sized example of these new apartments. The apartment was 325 square feet, filled with all appliances one would need. Personally I thought it was a cute apartment, until it came to my attention that the bedroom is also the living room. On the second floor of the museum is a small theatre area. There, the class watched a half hour movie on the history of the New York City. It began with the Native Americans occupying the island to how it is today. The city also displays exhibits with painting, ship models, maps, and prints (BG, 376).
From one museum to the next. The class made its way up the block and found ourselves inside the El Museo Del Barrio. There we met our tour-guide Beverly, who brought us on a outdoor tour. As we walked the streets by 104th street, the blocks we flowing with the loosened fire hydrants water. Beverly took the class to see mural paintings and community gardens. Of the murals there was one called The Spirit of East Harlem. Painted by Hank Prussing in 1973, it portrays the Spanish Harlem community. Now that Prussing has past, his assistant Manny Vega takes care of the murals up keep. Just across the street is another mural of man by the name of Pedro Pietri. A Vietnam veteran and writer, Pietri came home to his community being mistreat. As a result, Pietri became an activist for Spanish civil rights and worked with the Young Lords. The civil rights bill was passed in 1969.
Within East Harlem there are 4 community gardens. In one of them, there is a mural painted on the wall of a building. The mural represents the unity of Puerto Rico and Mexico, as the Mexican community is growing quite quickly in East Harlem. Throughout this community are several more murals, many of them illustrated by Manny Vega. Majority of these murals are funded by the Hope Community Incorporated, which was founded 1968. The nonprofit organizations works to improve the streets of East Harlem. On the tour, Beverly took the group into a shop that was established in 1930. The man is the third generation owner of a old fashion remedy store. He states he works on hope, that hope is what we live on and that we all need to be opened minded.
After we broke for lunch. Together the class walked through Central Park. Between the 1930s-1950's New York quadrupled in size. By the 1950s it was decided that the park of New York will be Central Park. After winning a competition, Frederick Law Olmsted designed the park and it was not till the 1870s that park was completed. Pieces of the palisades are laid out throughout the 843 acres of land (BG, 279). The park was intended for workers, as well as the wealthy. For a period of the time, the park went a downward spiral but then Robert Moses restored the park. By the 1970s the park was at its worst, with high crime rates. It was not safe to go in at night. By the 80's the park was restored again. Today, Central Park is one of the safest areas in New York City and over 25 million people visit the park every year (BG, 281). In Central Park we had an official class, where we discussed what we've learned, as well as our likes and dislikes thus far. After, we strolled through the park by the reservoir and along 5th avenue.
The class ended the day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as "The Met" is one of the largest museums in the world. More than 5 million people visit the Met every year. Over 2 million pieces of art are displayed in the museum, touching base with the whole world and human civilization (BG, 326). As a group we made our way through the Punk Fashion section. I personally loved it! In fact one room I felt like the ensembles reminded me Edward Scissorhands costumes. The designs were so bold and exciting. After, we observed abstract and pop art paintings. We saw paintings by Pollock and Johns who are abstract artists. I'm pretty sure that Jackson Pollocks painting titled Autumn Rhythm, was featured in the recent film Contraband. When looking at Pollocks drip paintings, you can not help but to feel the freedom within his work. Featured just around the corner was Jasper Johns' White Flag painting (1955) (BG, 336). His abstract impressionism pieces are generally commonplace two-dimensional objects, like the flag. I loved the white flag painting. There was something about it. It showed its beauty through the washed out tones. Before class was dismissed, we had the opportunity to wander through the museum. I chose to make may way to the 19th century European paintings on the second floor. I wanted to find my mothers favorite painting, In the Meadow by Auguste Renoir. When I found it, I got lost in its beauty. The Met describes the painting as celebrating youthful innocence. Maybe thats why my mother loves it so much, she always said it reminded her of my sister and I. Glad with my findings, it was a great way to end the day.
Overall, the day was miserable. The sweltering heat was unbearable and suffocating. Besides for the weather, I unfortunately also started the day on the wrong foot, which affected my mood throughout the day. I tried my best to make the best of this class but by the time we got to the Met, it was very difficult to provide my undivided attention. Hopefully, the last three classes will not be as hot.
The Wild Westside
We began today's class in Times Square. On the way, we took notice to the new bike program that the city now provides for the NY commuters. The city provides thousands of bikes with hundreds of stations, all year round and 24/7. The Citi bike sharing system is providing commuters a convenient new way to make their daily commutes.
Times Square before 1904, was originally known as Longacre Square. Within the first three decades of the 20th century the city's theatre district formed in Times Square. As forms of transportation increased, Times Square began to thrive. In the year of 1927-1928 there were 80 theaters in operation, which was New York's best theatre season (BG, 217). By the depression, Broadway plummeted. By the 1970's, Broadway was known for prostitution, crime and drugs. By late 1980s, it began to turn around as new commercial real estate was developed. In the early 1990s, Mayor Giuliani administration brought large corporations, like Disney to the New Amsterdam Theatre in 1993 (BG, 218). Compared to a decade ago, today Times Square is safer and funnels in approximately 20 million tourists a year (BG, 218).
While making our way to Rockefeller Center, we came across an example of the new public spaces that built with buildings. These public spaces are free to the public and the building owners are responsible for the upkeep of them. After passing through, the class got to Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center is, "the world's largest privately owned business and entertainment center" (BG, 242). Rockefeller Center is a complex of commercial buildings, filled with plazas, theaters, underground concourses and shops. The art deco Rockefeller Center began being built in 1929 but when the stock market crashed in the depression, the project was put on hold. Rockefeller Center is generally known for housing "Radio City" and NBC studios (BG, 244). In front of the lower plaza, during the Christmas and holiday season, large crowds are drown every year to see the spectacular Christmas tree and for figure skating (BG, 247).
Just around the corner on 5th Avenue is St. Patrick's Cathedral. St. Patricks Cathedral is a mark of success for New York Irish Catholic immigrants. The cathedral is the largest in the United States and the 11th largest Catholic cathedral in the world (BG, 254). Taking years to build, St. Patrick's Cathedral opened in 1879. Unfortunately, for our class the Cathedral was under construction, so we unable to take in the beauty of its architecture.
In 1929, modern art was not considered art but the wealthy Rockefeller founded the small Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) (BG, 260). In the 19th century the art of photography turned artists to change course, to a different; more creative route. Home of abstract expressionism, the pieces share conceptual internal ideas that are not so concrete in thought. There, artists such as Van Gogh and Picasso's art are featured. We viewed Van Gogh's famous "Starry Night" (1889) brought a dreamy image to the surface. As Picasso's misogynous side comes out just in the room over, where Les Demoiselles d'Avignon (1907) is mounted. On the other floors we compared artists such as Rothko and Pollock, abstract expressionists use art to make their viewers feel. Rothko's pieces feel calm, where as Pollock is organized chaos. Then, there are Pop Artists, such as Jasper Jones and Rauschenberg, whose art expresses totally different personality. The second floor featured contemporary pieces of art. To create contemporary art, the artist must take something familiar, make it unfamiliar, then redefine the object in its unfamiliar state. Personally, contemporary art is not for me. Seeing an old fashioned vacuum under a different form of light, is not exactly art to me. I just did not understand it.
For lunch the class went to Hell's Kitchen. Hell's Kitchen, also known as Clinton is considered a neighborhood of the low-scale class but is currently being gentrified. In the mid 19th century, Hell's Kitchen became the new home of mostly impoverished Irish immigrants. According to an urban legend, two policemen gave the district its name while watching a street fight. As one said to the other, "This neighborhood is hot as hell"..."Hell is cool"... "This here's Hell's Kitchen" (BG, 226). Overwhelmed by crime in the 1970's, the neighborhood began to be gentrified in the 1980's. Today, 9th avenue is the home of Ethnic restaurants and is the site of the Annual International food festival in May (BG, 227). For lunch, the class ate a Tai restaurant, but because of my food allergy I could not join them. As a result, Julie, Danielle and I found a restaurant called Southern Hospitality, which is partially owned by Justin Timberlake! The food was delicious and is highly recommended.
After lunch, the class took the subway to Real Harlem on Malcolm X (originally Lenox) and 135th St. After the Civil War approximately 15,000 blacks took over the ghettos of lower Manhattan. By the 1920s the black populated moved to Harlem (BG, 437). During the Harlem Renaissance, which really began in 1924, brought in black art, literature, music and political thoughts. Harlem was became really famous, as it brought in Jazz music and clubs, such as the Cotton Club (BG, 438). Our tour began in the view of the Window painting illustrated beautifully on Harlem Hospital. Walking the streets, we were able to see perfect examples of New York City's stoops and fire-escapes. In 1916, laws and regulations were put into place, in which new buildings were built with fireproof staircases and old building had fire-escapes installed. The class mades its way down 135th street, where the famous personality Florence Mills of the 1920's, was followed by nearly 150,000 people on the day of her funeral. That same street features Harlem's Walk of Fame, where people such as Billie Holiday are recognized. Gradually we approached streets that led to City College. In the 1880's, due to the elevation the city built parks (St. Nicholas), rather than streets that now lead to City College. Just up a few blocks to 139th St. is Strivers Row, also known as King Model Houses. These were built in 1891, intended for people with moderate incomes. The architecture was made to look like the buildings were connected when they were not. Among the people who purchased these houses were the "Father of the Blues" W.C. Hardy and songwriter-pianist Eubie Blake. Today, along Strive Row are still the original coal plates, which led coal into the house for heat before electricity took its job. As you make your way down town to 125th Street, you find yourself in the more commercial area of Harlem. There, you may find Apollo Theater. Apollo Theater was originally called New Burlesque Theatre for German and Jews. Its was for whites only until it became Apollo Theater. This theater launched the careers of many famous acts such as Aretha Franklin (BG, 440). Just after passing the theater, Mike decided to try to cheat a bet that was made earlier. He bet that he would beat me up the 100+ stairs through Morningside Park. As Mike, tried to use his false start to gain an advantage, little did he know that I work better when coming from behind. Sadly for Mike, he lost is 1st place seat to Chris and I.
After the park, we found ourselves in front of St. John the Devine Cathedral in Morningside Heights. After a contest for the architectural design was casted, the cornerstone of the Cathedral was laid in 1892 and was never completed (BG, 419). The unfinished church still finds itself as the 4th largest church in the world. Today, the beautiful Cathedral still stands uncompleted with only one tower, until the church raises enough funds to continue. After, taking a quick walk through the interior the church, the class walked through part of campus of Columbia University. There is where I was presented with my reward after a short NYC trivia for beating Mike. My reward was bracelet from the spiritual doctor in East Harlem. The bracelet is suppose to bring good luck... So far, so good! In closing, I left class as happy camper, and a winner!
We began today's class in Times Square. On the way, we took notice to the new bike program that the city now provides for the NY commuters. The city provides thousands of bikes with hundreds of stations, all year round and 24/7. The Citi bike sharing system is providing commuters a convenient new way to make their daily commutes.
Times Square before 1904, was originally known as Longacre Square. Within the first three decades of the 20th century the city's theatre district formed in Times Square. As forms of transportation increased, Times Square began to thrive. In the year of 1927-1928 there were 80 theaters in operation, which was New York's best theatre season (BG, 217). By the depression, Broadway plummeted. By the 1970's, Broadway was known for prostitution, crime and drugs. By late 1980s, it began to turn around as new commercial real estate was developed. In the early 1990s, Mayor Giuliani administration brought large corporations, like Disney to the New Amsterdam Theatre in 1993 (BG, 218). Compared to a decade ago, today Times Square is safer and funnels in approximately 20 million tourists a year (BG, 218).
While making our way to Rockefeller Center, we came across an example of the new public spaces that built with buildings. These public spaces are free to the public and the building owners are responsible for the upkeep of them. After passing through, the class got to Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center is, "the world's largest privately owned business and entertainment center" (BG, 242). Rockefeller Center is a complex of commercial buildings, filled with plazas, theaters, underground concourses and shops. The art deco Rockefeller Center began being built in 1929 but when the stock market crashed in the depression, the project was put on hold. Rockefeller Center is generally known for housing "Radio City" and NBC studios (BG, 244). In front of the lower plaza, during the Christmas and holiday season, large crowds are drown every year to see the spectacular Christmas tree and for figure skating (BG, 247).
Just around the corner on 5th Avenue is St. Patrick's Cathedral. St. Patricks Cathedral is a mark of success for New York Irish Catholic immigrants. The cathedral is the largest in the United States and the 11th largest Catholic cathedral in the world (BG, 254). Taking years to build, St. Patrick's Cathedral opened in 1879. Unfortunately, for our class the Cathedral was under construction, so we unable to take in the beauty of its architecture.
In 1929, modern art was not considered art but the wealthy Rockefeller founded the small Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) (BG, 260). In the 19th century the art of photography turned artists to change course, to a different; more creative route. Home of abstract expressionism, the pieces share conceptual internal ideas that are not so concrete in thought. There, artists such as Van Gogh and Picasso's art are featured. We viewed Van Gogh's famous "Starry Night" (1889) brought a dreamy image to the surface. As Picasso's misogynous side comes out just in the room over, where Les Demoiselles d'Avignon (1907) is mounted. On the other floors we compared artists such as Rothko and Pollock, abstract expressionists use art to make their viewers feel. Rothko's pieces feel calm, where as Pollock is organized chaos. Then, there are Pop Artists, such as Jasper Jones and Rauschenberg, whose art expresses totally different personality. The second floor featured contemporary pieces of art. To create contemporary art, the artist must take something familiar, make it unfamiliar, then redefine the object in its unfamiliar state. Personally, contemporary art is not for me. Seeing an old fashioned vacuum under a different form of light, is not exactly art to me. I just did not understand it.
For lunch the class went to Hell's Kitchen. Hell's Kitchen, also known as Clinton is considered a neighborhood of the low-scale class but is currently being gentrified. In the mid 19th century, Hell's Kitchen became the new home of mostly impoverished Irish immigrants. According to an urban legend, two policemen gave the district its name while watching a street fight. As one said to the other, "This neighborhood is hot as hell"..."Hell is cool"... "This here's Hell's Kitchen" (BG, 226). Overwhelmed by crime in the 1970's, the neighborhood began to be gentrified in the 1980's. Today, 9th avenue is the home of Ethnic restaurants and is the site of the Annual International food festival in May (BG, 227). For lunch, the class ate a Tai restaurant, but because of my food allergy I could not join them. As a result, Julie, Danielle and I found a restaurant called Southern Hospitality, which is partially owned by Justin Timberlake! The food was delicious and is highly recommended.
After lunch, the class took the subway to Real Harlem on Malcolm X (originally Lenox) and 135th St. After the Civil War approximately 15,000 blacks took over the ghettos of lower Manhattan. By the 1920s the black populated moved to Harlem (BG, 437). During the Harlem Renaissance, which really began in 1924, brought in black art, literature, music and political thoughts. Harlem was became really famous, as it brought in Jazz music and clubs, such as the Cotton Club (BG, 438). Our tour began in the view of the Window painting illustrated beautifully on Harlem Hospital. Walking the streets, we were able to see perfect examples of New York City's stoops and fire-escapes. In 1916, laws and regulations were put into place, in which new buildings were built with fireproof staircases and old building had fire-escapes installed. The class mades its way down 135th street, where the famous personality Florence Mills of the 1920's, was followed by nearly 150,000 people on the day of her funeral. That same street features Harlem's Walk of Fame, where people such as Billie Holiday are recognized. Gradually we approached streets that led to City College. In the 1880's, due to the elevation the city built parks (St. Nicholas), rather than streets that now lead to City College. Just up a few blocks to 139th St. is Strivers Row, also known as King Model Houses. These were built in 1891, intended for people with moderate incomes. The architecture was made to look like the buildings were connected when they were not. Among the people who purchased these houses were the "Father of the Blues" W.C. Hardy and songwriter-pianist Eubie Blake. Today, along Strive Row are still the original coal plates, which led coal into the house for heat before electricity took its job. As you make your way down town to 125th Street, you find yourself in the more commercial area of Harlem. There, you may find Apollo Theater. Apollo Theater was originally called New Burlesque Theatre for German and Jews. Its was for whites only until it became Apollo Theater. This theater launched the careers of many famous acts such as Aretha Franklin (BG, 440). Just after passing the theater, Mike decided to try to cheat a bet that was made earlier. He bet that he would beat me up the 100+ stairs through Morningside Park. As Mike, tried to use his false start to gain an advantage, little did he know that I work better when coming from behind. Sadly for Mike, he lost is 1st place seat to Chris and I.
After the park, we found ourselves in front of St. John the Devine Cathedral in Morningside Heights. After a contest for the architectural design was casted, the cornerstone of the Cathedral was laid in 1892 and was never completed (BG, 419). The unfinished church still finds itself as the 4th largest church in the world. Today, the beautiful Cathedral still stands uncompleted with only one tower, until the church raises enough funds to continue. After, taking a quick walk through the interior the church, the class walked through part of campus of Columbia University. There is where I was presented with my reward after a short NYC trivia for beating Mike. My reward was bracelet from the spiritual doctor in East Harlem. The bracelet is suppose to bring good luck... So far, so good! In closing, I left class as happy camper, and a winner!
Lower Manhattan and Captivating Chelsea
Today began by making our way to City Hall. In transit, the class caught a glimpse of the Woolworth Building. When completed in 1913, the building was the world's tallest building at 792 feet. It only remained the tallest building for the a small amount of time. That was until 1930 when the Chrysler Building was built (BG, 79).
Shortly after passing the Woolworth Building, we got to the gates of City Hall. Before entering we had to go through somewhat intense security. The area of lower Manhattan where City Hall is located, was originally founded as a Dutch Colony. The first City Hall Tavern was built in 1653 at 73 Pearl Street. In 1802 a contest for the architecture design for the new City Hall was held. The Federal style building was built by John McComb, illustrating a Greek republic with a French renaissance touch throughout. The exterior was originally marble but now by limestone. The construction of the building was completed in 1812. New York City's third City Hall was big enough to accommodate the whole city government. The lobby features a beautiful staircase and dome ceiling supported by 10 columns. Just underneath the stairway is a statue of our first president George Washington. The structure depicts Washington after the revolution was his sward put aside and his right hand occupied with a cane. Up the stairs on the second floor is the Governor's Room (BG, 84). Originally, the Governor's room served as a reception hall and office for when the Governor came to the city. Now displayed among the walls of the room is many of most significant portraits. The gallery and reception space was visited by special guests including President Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Albert Einstein. Just down the hall is the largest room in City Hall. Located on the west side, the Bullpen originally served as a courtroom. Mayor Bloomberg turned the area into an open-plan work space in 2002. The Bullpen was restored and now the beautiful portraits and illustrations are visible throughout the room.
After the tour through City Hall, the class found itself inside the St. Paul's Chapel. Built in 1776, the small chapel of Trinity church stands as the only remaining colonial chapel (BG, 77). After George Washington's inauguration at Federal Hall, Washington used the Anglican church (BG, 77). Recently at the beginning of the 21st century, the church became famous for different reasons. After the building survived the falling of the World Trade Center on 9/11 2001, the church was used as a temporary memorial and refuge for workers at Ground Zero (BG, 77). There you may still see cots where workers slept, patches and mass cards of lost, as well as notes and prayers. Walking into the chapel, your entire mood just changes.
Just across the street was Ground Zero and 9/11 Memorial. After going through high security we made it into the memorial. The grounds were so beautiful. It amazed me to how many people from all around the world come and wait on hour long lines to visit this memorial. The museum and Freedom Tower are still be constructed. The Freedom Tower will be the tallest building in the United States, standing at 1,776 feet tall. The height also marks the year of the United States independence. The two pools are laid right on the footprints of the original two towers. On them is each name of every person lost that day. In every which angle you can not see the bottoms of the pool. This leads to some conclusions to that there is no ending, and it goes on forever. Standing at Ground Zero, you get this surreal feeling. This is history that I lived through and is something I hold near and dear to my heart. My dad now retired NYPD (Officer Robert Glenn, Mounted Unit #7057), was sent there. I may have been young but I was aware. I could have lost my dad that day, but God said it was not his time and sent him home. My dad however, haunted by that day lost many friends and seen things one should not see. Every year on 9/11 I call my dad and just tell him I love him, and that I am proud to be his daughter. Every year my dad remains nearly silent on the other end of the line. We may have only spent 20 minutes at the memorial but to me those 20 minutes were very much worth it.
Following the memorial, we walked to the Financial District. We began with passing Trinity Church. The church dates back to 1846. It may be small in size compared to the large skyscrapers that surrounds it, but it still remains New York's most famous "house of worship," as well as one of the wealthiest parishes (BG, 65).
The class made its way down Wall Street. There, we walked passed The New York Stock Exchange. The building dates back to the year 1903. The NY Stock Exchange is responsible for the world's largest exchange in dollar value, allowing New York to be a renowned city within the capitalist world (BG, 68). Just down the street is the Federal Hall National Memorial. Before the current building was built, the British City Hall stood at its site until it was demolished in 1812. Congress met after the Revolution at the former city hall. In 1789, on the second-floor, President George Washington took his oath into office. The building was then renamed Federal Hall. The current building was constructed in 1842 (BG, 69). On the steps of the hall, stands a statue of George Washington (John Quincy Adams 1883) taking his oath during his inauguration (BG, 70). Even though Federal Hall is one of NY's most historic sites, we really used it for its facilities...
After all of our bladders were emptied, we found ourselves by Bowling Green Park. Bowling Green was originally occupied by the Dutch is the New York City's oldest park. It was generally used for cattle market and meeting grounds. In 1771, to keep "all the filth and dirt in the neighborhood" out the Bowling Green Fence was put up. It protected a statue of George III, which was later torn down by crowds of patriates when the United States declared out independence (BG, 44). Close by was Battery Park. The park provides a perfect view of the harbor with 23-acres of land. within the park you can find monuments of commercial and NY's maritime history. The name Battery Park, came from the rows of cannons that guarded the original fort (BG, 46). Due to construction, we unable to take in its beauty of the park.
Finally it was time for lunch. For lunch we ate at the Chelsea Market. Just like everywhere else, Chelsea is being gentrified. Chelsea use to be a very unsafe area, now it's the place to be. The chelsea market was reopened in 1995. Formally Nabisco (National Biscuit Company), the market is filled with shops with great food, flowers, wine, and baked goods (BG, 186). After, the needed break, the group went to the High Line. Above the streets of West side Manhattan, a public park was built on elevated freight rail lines in 1999. The High Line runs for 1.6 miles from West 16th to West 30th street (BG, 188). Now, you may walk, relax and enjoy a meal above the streets of New York.
After walking along the High Line for a period of time, the class finally walked onto West 24th Street. Along these streets are several different types of art galleries. We were able to walk in and out of about 8 different galleries. These galleries features contemporary and abstract expressionism. Among them we came across two that popped out at me. One artists gallery was titled The Wrinkles of the City, where the artist featured exactly that. His art was inspired purely by the elderly. Another artist was inspired by people in there sleep. One of his pieces was a photograph of a military man resting. Something about that photo just stuck me. Besides those two galleries, I was not found of the art. I do not understand a lot of it. We ended the class in a very well known art book store. There was had to pick a book that came out at you. The first thing I saw, was one of those books that as you file through the image changed.
Overall, today's class was a success. I truly enjoyed the Saint Paul's Chapel and the 9/11 Memorial. The High Line was very different and very cool. I did not even know it existed until this class and I look forward to visiting it again.
Today began by making our way to City Hall. In transit, the class caught a glimpse of the Woolworth Building. When completed in 1913, the building was the world's tallest building at 792 feet. It only remained the tallest building for the a small amount of time. That was until 1930 when the Chrysler Building was built (BG, 79).
Shortly after passing the Woolworth Building, we got to the gates of City Hall. Before entering we had to go through somewhat intense security. The area of lower Manhattan where City Hall is located, was originally founded as a Dutch Colony. The first City Hall Tavern was built in 1653 at 73 Pearl Street. In 1802 a contest for the architecture design for the new City Hall was held. The Federal style building was built by John McComb, illustrating a Greek republic with a French renaissance touch throughout. The exterior was originally marble but now by limestone. The construction of the building was completed in 1812. New York City's third City Hall was big enough to accommodate the whole city government. The lobby features a beautiful staircase and dome ceiling supported by 10 columns. Just underneath the stairway is a statue of our first president George Washington. The structure depicts Washington after the revolution was his sward put aside and his right hand occupied with a cane. Up the stairs on the second floor is the Governor's Room (BG, 84). Originally, the Governor's room served as a reception hall and office for when the Governor came to the city. Now displayed among the walls of the room is many of most significant portraits. The gallery and reception space was visited by special guests including President Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Albert Einstein. Just down the hall is the largest room in City Hall. Located on the west side, the Bullpen originally served as a courtroom. Mayor Bloomberg turned the area into an open-plan work space in 2002. The Bullpen was restored and now the beautiful portraits and illustrations are visible throughout the room.
After the tour through City Hall, the class found itself inside the St. Paul's Chapel. Built in 1776, the small chapel of Trinity church stands as the only remaining colonial chapel (BG, 77). After George Washington's inauguration at Federal Hall, Washington used the Anglican church (BG, 77). Recently at the beginning of the 21st century, the church became famous for different reasons. After the building survived the falling of the World Trade Center on 9/11 2001, the church was used as a temporary memorial and refuge for workers at Ground Zero (BG, 77). There you may still see cots where workers slept, patches and mass cards of lost, as well as notes and prayers. Walking into the chapel, your entire mood just changes.
Just across the street was Ground Zero and 9/11 Memorial. After going through high security we made it into the memorial. The grounds were so beautiful. It amazed me to how many people from all around the world come and wait on hour long lines to visit this memorial. The museum and Freedom Tower are still be constructed. The Freedom Tower will be the tallest building in the United States, standing at 1,776 feet tall. The height also marks the year of the United States independence. The two pools are laid right on the footprints of the original two towers. On them is each name of every person lost that day. In every which angle you can not see the bottoms of the pool. This leads to some conclusions to that there is no ending, and it goes on forever. Standing at Ground Zero, you get this surreal feeling. This is history that I lived through and is something I hold near and dear to my heart. My dad now retired NYPD (Officer Robert Glenn, Mounted Unit #7057), was sent there. I may have been young but I was aware. I could have lost my dad that day, but God said it was not his time and sent him home. My dad however, haunted by that day lost many friends and seen things one should not see. Every year on 9/11 I call my dad and just tell him I love him, and that I am proud to be his daughter. Every year my dad remains nearly silent on the other end of the line. We may have only spent 20 minutes at the memorial but to me those 20 minutes were very much worth it.
Following the memorial, we walked to the Financial District. We began with passing Trinity Church. The church dates back to 1846. It may be small in size compared to the large skyscrapers that surrounds it, but it still remains New York's most famous "house of worship," as well as one of the wealthiest parishes (BG, 65).
The class made its way down Wall Street. There, we walked passed The New York Stock Exchange. The building dates back to the year 1903. The NY Stock Exchange is responsible for the world's largest exchange in dollar value, allowing New York to be a renowned city within the capitalist world (BG, 68). Just down the street is the Federal Hall National Memorial. Before the current building was built, the British City Hall stood at its site until it was demolished in 1812. Congress met after the Revolution at the former city hall. In 1789, on the second-floor, President George Washington took his oath into office. The building was then renamed Federal Hall. The current building was constructed in 1842 (BG, 69). On the steps of the hall, stands a statue of George Washington (John Quincy Adams 1883) taking his oath during his inauguration (BG, 70). Even though Federal Hall is one of NY's most historic sites, we really used it for its facilities...
After all of our bladders were emptied, we found ourselves by Bowling Green Park. Bowling Green was originally occupied by the Dutch is the New York City's oldest park. It was generally used for cattle market and meeting grounds. In 1771, to keep "all the filth and dirt in the neighborhood" out the Bowling Green Fence was put up. It protected a statue of George III, which was later torn down by crowds of patriates when the United States declared out independence (BG, 44). Close by was Battery Park. The park provides a perfect view of the harbor with 23-acres of land. within the park you can find monuments of commercial and NY's maritime history. The name Battery Park, came from the rows of cannons that guarded the original fort (BG, 46). Due to construction, we unable to take in its beauty of the park.
Finally it was time for lunch. For lunch we ate at the Chelsea Market. Just like everywhere else, Chelsea is being gentrified. Chelsea use to be a very unsafe area, now it's the place to be. The chelsea market was reopened in 1995. Formally Nabisco (National Biscuit Company), the market is filled with shops with great food, flowers, wine, and baked goods (BG, 186). After, the needed break, the group went to the High Line. Above the streets of West side Manhattan, a public park was built on elevated freight rail lines in 1999. The High Line runs for 1.6 miles from West 16th to West 30th street (BG, 188). Now, you may walk, relax and enjoy a meal above the streets of New York.
After walking along the High Line for a period of time, the class finally walked onto West 24th Street. Along these streets are several different types of art galleries. We were able to walk in and out of about 8 different galleries. These galleries features contemporary and abstract expressionism. Among them we came across two that popped out at me. One artists gallery was titled The Wrinkles of the City, where the artist featured exactly that. His art was inspired purely by the elderly. Another artist was inspired by people in there sleep. One of his pieces was a photograph of a military man resting. Something about that photo just stuck me. Besides those two galleries, I was not found of the art. I do not understand a lot of it. We ended the class in a very well known art book store. There was had to pick a book that came out at you. The first thing I saw, was one of those books that as you file through the image changed.
Overall, today's class was a success. I truly enjoyed the Saint Paul's Chapel and the 9/11 Memorial. The High Line was very different and very cool. I did not even know it existed until this class and I look forward to visiting it again.
Immigrant New York
Our last class began in the Lower East Side of Manhattan on the corner of Delancey and Essex Street. In the early 1900's, the Lower East Side was the most densely populated area and the most unsanitary place in the United States. Due to this, the area began to outbreak with disease. Immigrants would come here because it was the cheapest at the time. First came the Germans and Irish. Then came the ties of Jewish culture, Italians, Poles, Ukrainians, and then other ethnic groups.
Crammed into tenement buildings, the streets of the Lower East Side were filled with immigrant business owners. They took over with there push carts on Orchard Street. To get the pushcarts off the streets, the Essex Street Market was created. It was built in 1940 as Mayor La Guardia legislated the pushcarts off the streets. Running on Essex Street from Delancey to Rivington Streets, the market offers all tastes of foods for Latino, Jewish, and upscale urbanite (BG, 123). Today, the market still stands there with all assortments of foods.
The class made its way by the Williamsburg Bridge. Built after the Brooklyn Bridge in 1903, Williamsburg Bridge is the most northern bridge on the East River that connects Manhattan to Long Island. More specifically, the bridge connects to the Brooklyn (BG, 110). The bridge was one of the last major bridges built for horse and carriages. By the 1920's the bridge was altered to accommodate the new automobile by replacing the trolly tracks with roadways. Today, the roadways, bike and walk paths are carried by the bridge. Recently, just by the bridge acres of rediscovered underground roadways for carriages were found. The city plans a building a new public area inspired by the new High Line.
After the bridge, we passed the Bailystoker Synagogue. The synagogue was originally a church, recreated into a new house of God. Then, we walked by the original Neighborhood Playhouse. The neighborhood playhouse began the careers of many famous actors and actresses. Now at a new location, the Neighborhood Playhouse is a non-profit school for training actors. Near by, we saw the third oldest Catholic church in New York City, St. Mary's.
Down on Henry Street was the Henry Street Settlement founded 1893. Built in 1827, the building was originally occupied by shop-owers, ship captains and other people involved in maritime trades. Only the central building survived with its wrought-iron stoop railings (BG, 125). The Henry Street Settlement was founded by a woman by the name Lillian Wald (1867-1940). Today, she remains one of New York's great figures as a gentile, passionate woman who selflessly dedicated her life to the poor. The American nurse started the settlement to care for children, families, poor and immigrants whom were fighting disease, ignorance, malnutrition, and biases. She began raising money for the organization and received two of the settlement houses as a gift from Jacob Schiff. Today the Henry Street Settlement continues to assist people in need. After passing the settlement, we found ourselves in another one of Wald's projects. Lillian Wald along with Charles D. Stover began the Outdoor Recreation League, which created public areas for play. One of those parks were Seward Park. Across from the park was the original Forward Building. The building was built originally for the Jewish Daily Forward. The newspaper was the countries most influential Yiddish daily paper (BG, 124).
Between the high buildings and tenements was the Eldridge Street Synagogue. Within the years 1880-1924, 85 percent of the 2.5 million Easter European Jewish immigrants came to New York City. Of those, 75 percent settled in the Lower East Side. In 1887, the Synagogue opened to these newly arrived Jews. "The synagogue was a proud declaration of newly- found religious freedom for the synagogue’s immigrant founders." Today, the beautiful architecture Synagogue is opened as a museum for the public.
We made it to Chinatown. Chinatown is expanding rapidly as other ethnic groups are shrinking or being gentrified. Today, people visit Chinatown for cheap knockoffs, bargains and for food. Originally Chinese immigrants immigrated to the West Coast. It was not till the Transcontinental Railroad was built in 1869, that the masses of Chinese population grew significantly (BG, 108). The Chinese were not exactly welcomed at first. The population of mostly men, remained small for about another 100 years. By 1965, a large surge of Asian immigrants began arriving. Chinatown today is plagued by illegally smuggled immigrants, poverty, and overcrowding (BG, 108). In the 20th century as Asian immigrants came by the masses, an origination called the Tongs was formed to aid theses new arrivals. The Tongs offered services like social outlets, language, credit unions, and loads. They also would settle controversy among individuals and groups. The Tongs were untouchable until the 1970s (BG, 109).
Near by was the small area called Little Italy. This area dates back to the 1880s but recently is getting smaller as Chinatown increasingly grows. Many of the Italian has moved away but Little Italy still attracts people from over for their ethnic foods. The streets of Little Italy crowds every year during the famous feast of San Gennaro. Its generally held sometime in the middle of September (BG, 114). The restaurant Da Genaro's is located on Mulberry Street. It occupies the original site Umberto's Clam House where the mobster Joe "Crazy Joey" was shot on his 43rd birthday in 1972 (BG, 115). Walking by all these restaurants and shops, you just want to play Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, sit down, and eat! Everything smelt so good! We then walked to the "Cornerstone of Little Italy." There is the Italian American Museum. It was originally a family bank called Blanca Stabile. The museum opened to the public in 2008.
After our tour, we were sent in groups on a little adventure. My group was shallow group "B". We were sent to find certain locations along 5th Avenue and be back in time for lunch. We took the 6 subway train up to 42nd Street. Our first destination was Bryant Park, which is located right off of 5th Avenue, behind the New York Public Library. The park was named after the writer, editor, and abolitionist, William Cullen Bryant. The park was originally a reservoir until 1900 called Croton Reservoir. During the 70's and 80's the area was covered by drug dealers and muggers. By 1992, the park was reopened to the public.
From the park we walked North to the Fred French Building. The art deco building was built in 1927. It is one of the tallest buildings on 5th Avenue standing 38-stories high. The building is filled by offices and classrooms for Pace University. The top of the building is illustrated with a limestone and bronze decoration.
Just a few blocks further is the St. Patrick's Cathedral. Even though we were there just the other day, this time we went into the church. The cathedral took years to build and was completed on 1879. St. Patrick's is the largest cathedral in the United States and the 11th largest in the world (BG, 254). The cathedral was under construction but the inside was still beautiful. The high ceilings and beautiful architecture was breathtaking.
Further North is every woman's love, Tiffany's. Tiffany's is one the most renowned jewelers in the world. The store was founded by Charles L. Tiffany (1812-1902) who designed interiors, stained glass, jewelry, and enamels (BG, 272). A little further up the block is every child's love, F.A. O Schwarz. F. A. O Schwarz is the oldest toy store in the United States, founded in 1862. Currently the foundation is operated exclusively by Toys "R" Us incorporated. The store is known for its life sized stuffed animals and real-life toy soldiers. Since 1988, the store has been recognized by its giant foot piano in the film "Big," featuring Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia.
Across the street is the famous Plaza Hotel. Built in 1907, the hotel has gone under $400 million renovations and went through several different owners. The luxury hotel has a perfect view of 5th Avenue and Central Park. Of the many famous guests, at the top of the list was Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt and the Beatles (BG, 273). What instantly came to my mind when I saw the hotel was the the movie Home Alone. When you walk in you get lost with its "high-end" interior, filled with crystal and marble.
The Plaza completed our little adventure and it was time for lunch in downtown Chinatown. The food was absolutely delicious and met me appetites needs.
The last class ended in the Tenement Museum. The museum was founded in 1988 in a former tenement. The museum illustrates the preserved history with our nations immigrants. In a six-story brownstone, 5 apartments were restored into the 19th century tenement apartments (BG, 121). The tour of the museum was much different from a traditional museum tour. This tour brings the group into a family tenement apartment, there is were an actress reenacts the roll of a real immigrant. The stories and people used were all real immigrants from the tenement. All facts stated were true. I found this tour really fascinating in how they acted and interacted with the group to provide information of how the tenement life was for an immigrant back then. In closing, the last class was exhausting. The museum was a great way to end the last class.
Our last class began in the Lower East Side of Manhattan on the corner of Delancey and Essex Street. In the early 1900's, the Lower East Side was the most densely populated area and the most unsanitary place in the United States. Due to this, the area began to outbreak with disease. Immigrants would come here because it was the cheapest at the time. First came the Germans and Irish. Then came the ties of Jewish culture, Italians, Poles, Ukrainians, and then other ethnic groups.
Crammed into tenement buildings, the streets of the Lower East Side were filled with immigrant business owners. They took over with there push carts on Orchard Street. To get the pushcarts off the streets, the Essex Street Market was created. It was built in 1940 as Mayor La Guardia legislated the pushcarts off the streets. Running on Essex Street from Delancey to Rivington Streets, the market offers all tastes of foods for Latino, Jewish, and upscale urbanite (BG, 123). Today, the market still stands there with all assortments of foods.
The class made its way by the Williamsburg Bridge. Built after the Brooklyn Bridge in 1903, Williamsburg Bridge is the most northern bridge on the East River that connects Manhattan to Long Island. More specifically, the bridge connects to the Brooklyn (BG, 110). The bridge was one of the last major bridges built for horse and carriages. By the 1920's the bridge was altered to accommodate the new automobile by replacing the trolly tracks with roadways. Today, the roadways, bike and walk paths are carried by the bridge. Recently, just by the bridge acres of rediscovered underground roadways for carriages were found. The city plans a building a new public area inspired by the new High Line.
After the bridge, we passed the Bailystoker Synagogue. The synagogue was originally a church, recreated into a new house of God. Then, we walked by the original Neighborhood Playhouse. The neighborhood playhouse began the careers of many famous actors and actresses. Now at a new location, the Neighborhood Playhouse is a non-profit school for training actors. Near by, we saw the third oldest Catholic church in New York City, St. Mary's.
Down on Henry Street was the Henry Street Settlement founded 1893. Built in 1827, the building was originally occupied by shop-owers, ship captains and other people involved in maritime trades. Only the central building survived with its wrought-iron stoop railings (BG, 125). The Henry Street Settlement was founded by a woman by the name Lillian Wald (1867-1940). Today, she remains one of New York's great figures as a gentile, passionate woman who selflessly dedicated her life to the poor. The American nurse started the settlement to care for children, families, poor and immigrants whom were fighting disease, ignorance, malnutrition, and biases. She began raising money for the organization and received two of the settlement houses as a gift from Jacob Schiff. Today the Henry Street Settlement continues to assist people in need. After passing the settlement, we found ourselves in another one of Wald's projects. Lillian Wald along with Charles D. Stover began the Outdoor Recreation League, which created public areas for play. One of those parks were Seward Park. Across from the park was the original Forward Building. The building was built originally for the Jewish Daily Forward. The newspaper was the countries most influential Yiddish daily paper (BG, 124).
Between the high buildings and tenements was the Eldridge Street Synagogue. Within the years 1880-1924, 85 percent of the 2.5 million Easter European Jewish immigrants came to New York City. Of those, 75 percent settled in the Lower East Side. In 1887, the Synagogue opened to these newly arrived Jews. "The synagogue was a proud declaration of newly- found religious freedom for the synagogue’s immigrant founders." Today, the beautiful architecture Synagogue is opened as a museum for the public.
We made it to Chinatown. Chinatown is expanding rapidly as other ethnic groups are shrinking or being gentrified. Today, people visit Chinatown for cheap knockoffs, bargains and for food. Originally Chinese immigrants immigrated to the West Coast. It was not till the Transcontinental Railroad was built in 1869, that the masses of Chinese population grew significantly (BG, 108). The Chinese were not exactly welcomed at first. The population of mostly men, remained small for about another 100 years. By 1965, a large surge of Asian immigrants began arriving. Chinatown today is plagued by illegally smuggled immigrants, poverty, and overcrowding (BG, 108). In the 20th century as Asian immigrants came by the masses, an origination called the Tongs was formed to aid theses new arrivals. The Tongs offered services like social outlets, language, credit unions, and loads. They also would settle controversy among individuals and groups. The Tongs were untouchable until the 1970s (BG, 109).
Near by was the small area called Little Italy. This area dates back to the 1880s but recently is getting smaller as Chinatown increasingly grows. Many of the Italian has moved away but Little Italy still attracts people from over for their ethnic foods. The streets of Little Italy crowds every year during the famous feast of San Gennaro. Its generally held sometime in the middle of September (BG, 114). The restaurant Da Genaro's is located on Mulberry Street. It occupies the original site Umberto's Clam House where the mobster Joe "Crazy Joey" was shot on his 43rd birthday in 1972 (BG, 115). Walking by all these restaurants and shops, you just want to play Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, sit down, and eat! Everything smelt so good! We then walked to the "Cornerstone of Little Italy." There is the Italian American Museum. It was originally a family bank called Blanca Stabile. The museum opened to the public in 2008.
After our tour, we were sent in groups on a little adventure. My group was shallow group "B". We were sent to find certain locations along 5th Avenue and be back in time for lunch. We took the 6 subway train up to 42nd Street. Our first destination was Bryant Park, which is located right off of 5th Avenue, behind the New York Public Library. The park was named after the writer, editor, and abolitionist, William Cullen Bryant. The park was originally a reservoir until 1900 called Croton Reservoir. During the 70's and 80's the area was covered by drug dealers and muggers. By 1992, the park was reopened to the public.
From the park we walked North to the Fred French Building. The art deco building was built in 1927. It is one of the tallest buildings on 5th Avenue standing 38-stories high. The building is filled by offices and classrooms for Pace University. The top of the building is illustrated with a limestone and bronze decoration.
Just a few blocks further is the St. Patrick's Cathedral. Even though we were there just the other day, this time we went into the church. The cathedral took years to build and was completed on 1879. St. Patrick's is the largest cathedral in the United States and the 11th largest in the world (BG, 254). The cathedral was under construction but the inside was still beautiful. The high ceilings and beautiful architecture was breathtaking.
Further North is every woman's love, Tiffany's. Tiffany's is one the most renowned jewelers in the world. The store was founded by Charles L. Tiffany (1812-1902) who designed interiors, stained glass, jewelry, and enamels (BG, 272). A little further up the block is every child's love, F.A. O Schwarz. F. A. O Schwarz is the oldest toy store in the United States, founded in 1862. Currently the foundation is operated exclusively by Toys "R" Us incorporated. The store is known for its life sized stuffed animals and real-life toy soldiers. Since 1988, the store has been recognized by its giant foot piano in the film "Big," featuring Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia.
Across the street is the famous Plaza Hotel. Built in 1907, the hotel has gone under $400 million renovations and went through several different owners. The luxury hotel has a perfect view of 5th Avenue and Central Park. Of the many famous guests, at the top of the list was Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt and the Beatles (BG, 273). What instantly came to my mind when I saw the hotel was the the movie Home Alone. When you walk in you get lost with its "high-end" interior, filled with crystal and marble.
The Plaza completed our little adventure and it was time for lunch in downtown Chinatown. The food was absolutely delicious and met me appetites needs.
The last class ended in the Tenement Museum. The museum was founded in 1988 in a former tenement. The museum illustrates the preserved history with our nations immigrants. In a six-story brownstone, 5 apartments were restored into the 19th century tenement apartments (BG, 121). The tour of the museum was much different from a traditional museum tour. This tour brings the group into a family tenement apartment, there is were an actress reenacts the roll of a real immigrant. The stories and people used were all real immigrants from the tenement. All facts stated were true. I found this tour really fascinating in how they acted and interacted with the group to provide information of how the tenement life was for an immigrant back then. In closing, the last class was exhausting. The museum was a great way to end the last class.
My New York Experience
Overall, the class was filled with a ton of walking, which of course was expected. I obviously did not have a problem with it, seeing that I was always at the front of the pack. There were certain things that we visited I enjoyed more than others. I was not found of several art galleries we went to, but there were a few I liked. The days were long and we were always on constant go, however time did fly by. Getting 4 credits for 7 classes is well worth it. I am happy to report that I did learn one or two things about NYC that I did not know already. I will definitely recommend this class. Thank you for making the long days enjoyable. :)
Overall, the class was filled with a ton of walking, which of course was expected. I obviously did not have a problem with it, seeing that I was always at the front of the pack. There were certain things that we visited I enjoyed more than others. I was not found of several art galleries we went to, but there were a few I liked. The days were long and we were always on constant go, however time did fly by. Getting 4 credits for 7 classes is well worth it. I am happy to report that I did learn one or two things about NYC that I did not know already. I will definitely recommend this class. Thank you for making the long days enjoyable. :)