Journals
Journal #4 East Harlem
Today our journey began by going to East Harlem also known as Spanish Harlem or, more colloquially "El Barrio." (ENY 85) Many apartments in this area are known to me as section 8 housing. Our first stop today was the Museum of New York City, this museum was absolutely beautiful. When you first walked in they had beads hanging from the ceiling and wrap around stairs, I felt as if I was in a mansion. We first watched a video of New York and how it was created up to today's time. It was really neat seeing how everything formed throughout the years. After the video ended we walked into this room where it had all upperclass items from people throughout the years that have lived in New York City. The images are below that were taken in this room, boy was it breathtaking seeing what people wore and could afford in those days. We than entered a room that was strictly all on graffiti this was my favorite part of this museum, I also find it so cool all the designs people can do from spray painting, definitely my favorite type of art. We had a few minutes to spare while waiting for others in our groups to form so I was able to take a peak of the photographers portraits of people strictly at Coney Island, I liked seeing people having fun their in his portraits especially because we had just gone there two classes prior!
After the Museum we formed a circle and our tour guy Luke introduced himself and we each had to say a word to describe how I feel, if I remember correctly I said tired, which was the truth. It was so hot out I couldn't seem to get ahead of myself in the class all I wanted was my AC. After we all described a word we were off! The neighborhood which has been experiencing a wave of gentrification in recent years, has been home to several different ethnic communities since it was developed in the late 19th century. Today East Harlem has one of the largest Latino communities in the country. (ENY 85) Luke was so informative and so passionate about his home town, it really hit home for me thinking about what I think of the town I grew up in. I love where I live plain and simple! He definitely expressed how much East Harlem meant to him. Every block we walked down there was some form of art on the buildings, from portraits to mosaics to paintings. It was so interesting to see how they all expressed certain images or people they had such great respect for. We had two stops on this tour the one that I really enjoyed was his friend's bookstore. This bookstore only sells books from individuals with a Putero Rican History. I didn't really know how many books there could possibly be on Putero Rican History but they were tons! Seeing this lady so passionate about this bookstore makes you realize no matter what your dream is it is possible in achieving it.
After our tour ended it was off to lunch! My friends and I went to El Paso Taqueria, best quesidilla I have ever had before! We had the best time the soccer game was on as well and seeing people so excited about this game was such a fun experience. I wish we had more time at lunch, it went too quick!
We walked to Central Park but entered from Harlem, the Vanderbilt Gate. This entryway to Central Park was made in Paris in 1894 and originally stood before the Vanderbilt Mansion on Fifth Avenue. (ENY 59) I love Central Park, it is so beautiful. This was actually my first time being in East Harlem and entering Central Park from this side. It was so calm and relaxing walking through, seeing people jogging in the street. The best part of this walk was seeing Strawberry Fields, a John Lennon tribute. When we walked out of Central Park the Dakota was right across the street where Lennon lived and was murdered. It was a weird feeling seeing the Dakota right after seeing Lennon's tribute. All and all it was a great day!
Today our journey began by going to East Harlem also known as Spanish Harlem or, more colloquially "El Barrio." (ENY 85) Many apartments in this area are known to me as section 8 housing. Our first stop today was the Museum of New York City, this museum was absolutely beautiful. When you first walked in they had beads hanging from the ceiling and wrap around stairs, I felt as if I was in a mansion. We first watched a video of New York and how it was created up to today's time. It was really neat seeing how everything formed throughout the years. After the video ended we walked into this room where it had all upperclass items from people throughout the years that have lived in New York City. The images are below that were taken in this room, boy was it breathtaking seeing what people wore and could afford in those days. We than entered a room that was strictly all on graffiti this was my favorite part of this museum, I also find it so cool all the designs people can do from spray painting, definitely my favorite type of art. We had a few minutes to spare while waiting for others in our groups to form so I was able to take a peak of the photographers portraits of people strictly at Coney Island, I liked seeing people having fun their in his portraits especially because we had just gone there two classes prior!
After the Museum we formed a circle and our tour guy Luke introduced himself and we each had to say a word to describe how I feel, if I remember correctly I said tired, which was the truth. It was so hot out I couldn't seem to get ahead of myself in the class all I wanted was my AC. After we all described a word we were off! The neighborhood which has been experiencing a wave of gentrification in recent years, has been home to several different ethnic communities since it was developed in the late 19th century. Today East Harlem has one of the largest Latino communities in the country. (ENY 85) Luke was so informative and so passionate about his home town, it really hit home for me thinking about what I think of the town I grew up in. I love where I live plain and simple! He definitely expressed how much East Harlem meant to him. Every block we walked down there was some form of art on the buildings, from portraits to mosaics to paintings. It was so interesting to see how they all expressed certain images or people they had such great respect for. We had two stops on this tour the one that I really enjoyed was his friend's bookstore. This bookstore only sells books from individuals with a Putero Rican History. I didn't really know how many books there could possibly be on Putero Rican History but they were tons! Seeing this lady so passionate about this bookstore makes you realize no matter what your dream is it is possible in achieving it.
After our tour ended it was off to lunch! My friends and I went to El Paso Taqueria, best quesidilla I have ever had before! We had the best time the soccer game was on as well and seeing people so excited about this game was such a fun experience. I wish we had more time at lunch, it went too quick!
We walked to Central Park but entered from Harlem, the Vanderbilt Gate. This entryway to Central Park was made in Paris in 1894 and originally stood before the Vanderbilt Mansion on Fifth Avenue. (ENY 59) I love Central Park, it is so beautiful. This was actually my first time being in East Harlem and entering Central Park from this side. It was so calm and relaxing walking through, seeing people jogging in the street. The best part of this walk was seeing Strawberry Fields, a John Lennon tribute. When we walked out of Central Park the Dakota was right across the street where Lennon lived and was murdered. It was a weird feeling seeing the Dakota right after seeing Lennon's tribute. All and all it was a great day!
Journal #5 Herald Square
Today we first headed to Herald Square! This is well known for being the end point of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! (ENY 32) We than walked up Broadway, I found it very interesting that the entire length of Broadway runs 13 miles through Manhattan and the Bronx, and continues and additional 18 miles through Westchester County. (ENY 32) I was mind blown that it was the big! Once we reached 42nd Street we were in Times Square, I always love this area despite all the tourists taking pictures. If you just stop for a moment and look around you can really appreciate the city you live in!
We were off than to Rockefeller Plaza, where NBC Studios are! I was hoping to see someone famous, but I will definitely go back to see The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon! This plaza was Art Deco, so beautiful how it was designed. The murals inside the building had such detail it made you feel so warm and welcoming. We had a few minutes to spare so we stopped in the gift shop and bought some memorabilia. I was so excited we were able to do that, I felt like such a tourist! When we left the plaza we were right outside the Ice Skating Rink, it was being used as a flower exhibit which they formed into a bear. That was impressive seeing a bear made out of flowers.
The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) was our next stop! I personally don't understand art and this was my first time at this museum. I was so happy I was able to experience this opportunity with one of the best people too Don! He was able to explain the art in such a way I would never of looked at before. The two Artists I enjoyed was Andy Warhol and Picasso's artwork. I had taken an Art History class before and we focused a lot on these two artists so being able to see their artwork close up was exciting. Some of the art I didn't understand even after Don talked about it, for example the blank pieces of white pictures. I could've done that! I don't think I would go their again but I am happy I was able to cross it off my list.
We went in to an area called Hell's Kitchen for lunch, Thai food! It was a place called YUM YUM Bangkok, the food was out of this world! I love Thai food, I was so excited we were going to have this type of food one of the days during class. We were allowed three items, I stocked up on food! I had the dumplings, spring rolls and chicken with noodles! It was amazing! I am definitely going to recommend this place to all my friends and family!
After lunch we met up with Jim the tour guy and saw the NY Episcopal church which was neo-gothic and where the Bishops went to have important meetings. My favorite part of this tour was Columbia University, I was in awe when we arrived at this campus. I felt like I was down south it did not feel like New York City at all. I fell in love with this campus from the moment we entered. I took so many pictures being here and bragged to all my friends that we were able to walk around this campus. I felt so cool! The first structure built on campus, the neoclassical library was modeled by McKim on the Pantheon in Rome. If you walk inside you'll be able to admire the buildings impressive 106 foot tall marble rotunda with its 130 foot dome and 16 massive columns, capped by bronze Ionic capitals. (ENY 72) As a class we took pictures in front of the Alma Mater, a symbol of the University. (ENY 72)
After that we walked past the Riverbank State Park which was once a waste treatment plant, I was very surprised that it had little to no smell. I live by a waste plant and the smell is horrendous so it was interesting smelling nothing by this park. Our last stop on this journey for the day was the City College of New York. To be honest, I did not know this college even existed prior to today. This campus was styled in a gothic style and was actually a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be! By this time of the day it was brutally hot and I was pretty much burnt out from everything we learned and saw today I was just ready for my bed. This day entailed a lot of walking but it was worth every second of pain!
Today we first headed to Herald Square! This is well known for being the end point of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! (ENY 32) We than walked up Broadway, I found it very interesting that the entire length of Broadway runs 13 miles through Manhattan and the Bronx, and continues and additional 18 miles through Westchester County. (ENY 32) I was mind blown that it was the big! Once we reached 42nd Street we were in Times Square, I always love this area despite all the tourists taking pictures. If you just stop for a moment and look around you can really appreciate the city you live in!
We were off than to Rockefeller Plaza, where NBC Studios are! I was hoping to see someone famous, but I will definitely go back to see The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon! This plaza was Art Deco, so beautiful how it was designed. The murals inside the building had such detail it made you feel so warm and welcoming. We had a few minutes to spare so we stopped in the gift shop and bought some memorabilia. I was so excited we were able to do that, I felt like such a tourist! When we left the plaza we were right outside the Ice Skating Rink, it was being used as a flower exhibit which they formed into a bear. That was impressive seeing a bear made out of flowers.
The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) was our next stop! I personally don't understand art and this was my first time at this museum. I was so happy I was able to experience this opportunity with one of the best people too Don! He was able to explain the art in such a way I would never of looked at before. The two Artists I enjoyed was Andy Warhol and Picasso's artwork. I had taken an Art History class before and we focused a lot on these two artists so being able to see their artwork close up was exciting. Some of the art I didn't understand even after Don talked about it, for example the blank pieces of white pictures. I could've done that! I don't think I would go their again but I am happy I was able to cross it off my list.
We went in to an area called Hell's Kitchen for lunch, Thai food! It was a place called YUM YUM Bangkok, the food was out of this world! I love Thai food, I was so excited we were going to have this type of food one of the days during class. We were allowed three items, I stocked up on food! I had the dumplings, spring rolls and chicken with noodles! It was amazing! I am definitely going to recommend this place to all my friends and family!
After lunch we met up with Jim the tour guy and saw the NY Episcopal church which was neo-gothic and where the Bishops went to have important meetings. My favorite part of this tour was Columbia University, I was in awe when we arrived at this campus. I felt like I was down south it did not feel like New York City at all. I fell in love with this campus from the moment we entered. I took so many pictures being here and bragged to all my friends that we were able to walk around this campus. I felt so cool! The first structure built on campus, the neoclassical library was modeled by McKim on the Pantheon in Rome. If you walk inside you'll be able to admire the buildings impressive 106 foot tall marble rotunda with its 130 foot dome and 16 massive columns, capped by bronze Ionic capitals. (ENY 72) As a class we took pictures in front of the Alma Mater, a symbol of the University. (ENY 72)
After that we walked past the Riverbank State Park which was once a waste treatment plant, I was very surprised that it had little to no smell. I live by a waste plant and the smell is horrendous so it was interesting smelling nothing by this park. Our last stop on this journey for the day was the City College of New York. To be honest, I did not know this college even existed prior to today. This campus was styled in a gothic style and was actually a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be! By this time of the day it was brutally hot and I was pretty much burnt out from everything we learned and saw today I was just ready for my bed. This day entailed a lot of walking but it was worth every second of pain!
Journal #6 Lower Manhattan
Today was a very long emotional day for me! We first started at the WoolWorth Building and than making our way to St. Pauls Chapel. This is the older Church and Washington was actually in this Church! This is where I started to get emotional realizing that during 9/11 this survived the turmoil of the twin towers when they collapsed. It was a very strange feeling thinking back to what exactly went on that day.
We than we off to get a tour of City Hall Park, this was a highlight of my day knowing that not too many people get to experience this but we were able too! So cool! We first entered The Governor's Room where George Washington's desk was. There were portraits hanging on the walls with the walls painted in a French Green. This room used to overlook the Hudson River, many important people have been in this room for events. One that really stuck on in my mind was the Giants after they won the SuperBowl. After we left this room we ended the court room, it had a huge balcony overlooking, and for never being in a court room before it was so beautiful how it was designed and decorated. They were getting ready to have a debate over Hepatitis B and C it was very cool they we got to learn some facts on what was going to be discussed in the courtroom later that day.
Wall Street was next on our journey, that was my first time down there as well, I was so excited being in the business management field. I hope to one day get the opportunity to work down there just to get the experience. Than we were off for a 2.00 dollar fare ride on the ferry to Governors Island! I was looking forward to this from the start of our class, I couldn't wait to see all this island had to offer! Once we got there we were all so hungry we walked around to find food, that was a disappointment because the island unfortunately didn't offer many different selections so that wasted a bit of time. Emily, Bri and myself rented a three person bike and we were off! It was so funny, we had many laughs and enjoyed our times cruising around the Island! These are memories I will not forget and can not wait to go back with my friends and families. I do wish we had some more time there because we weren't able to relax on the hammocks and other cool gadgets this island had to offer. From looking at pictures it looks like everyone enjoyed their time here too! After we left the Island we entered Battery Park, I never realized how close Battery Park was to the 9/11 memorial before. It was literally blocks away. It was neat seeing all the different things people were doing in this park, to people watching, napping, to even participating in a dance off! Some students had the chance to participate as well!
After all our stops, my friends & I met up with some of our other friends and went to the 9/11 memorial museum. That was hard for me especially because I lost someone very close. Seeing all the images and hearing voicemails being played throughout the museum was very heartbreaking. It honestly felt as if this was happening all over again. Too many emotions were going on and than seeing other people such as tourists not really understanding everything that we lived through during that time was tough too. Especially for the people smiling with different object, I understand they don't connect on the same level that people who lived in New York do but it was definitely still hard and upsetting to watch. I recommend if you decide to go to this museum you prepare yourself it was a lot harder for me than I thought it was going to be. After the Museum, we took our friends to walk the Brooklyn Bridge at night! We were so excited to be able to be the tour guides for once! It was so pretty seeing the city light up from the bridge! It was a very long day but it was worth every minute, had a great time learning and seeing parts of the city I never been to before!
Today was a very long emotional day for me! We first started at the WoolWorth Building and than making our way to St. Pauls Chapel. This is the older Church and Washington was actually in this Church! This is where I started to get emotional realizing that during 9/11 this survived the turmoil of the twin towers when they collapsed. It was a very strange feeling thinking back to what exactly went on that day.
We than we off to get a tour of City Hall Park, this was a highlight of my day knowing that not too many people get to experience this but we were able too! So cool! We first entered The Governor's Room where George Washington's desk was. There were portraits hanging on the walls with the walls painted in a French Green. This room used to overlook the Hudson River, many important people have been in this room for events. One that really stuck on in my mind was the Giants after they won the SuperBowl. After we left this room we ended the court room, it had a huge balcony overlooking, and for never being in a court room before it was so beautiful how it was designed and decorated. They were getting ready to have a debate over Hepatitis B and C it was very cool they we got to learn some facts on what was going to be discussed in the courtroom later that day.
Wall Street was next on our journey, that was my first time down there as well, I was so excited being in the business management field. I hope to one day get the opportunity to work down there just to get the experience. Than we were off for a 2.00 dollar fare ride on the ferry to Governors Island! I was looking forward to this from the start of our class, I couldn't wait to see all this island had to offer! Once we got there we were all so hungry we walked around to find food, that was a disappointment because the island unfortunately didn't offer many different selections so that wasted a bit of time. Emily, Bri and myself rented a three person bike and we were off! It was so funny, we had many laughs and enjoyed our times cruising around the Island! These are memories I will not forget and can not wait to go back with my friends and families. I do wish we had some more time there because we weren't able to relax on the hammocks and other cool gadgets this island had to offer. From looking at pictures it looks like everyone enjoyed their time here too! After we left the Island we entered Battery Park, I never realized how close Battery Park was to the 9/11 memorial before. It was literally blocks away. It was neat seeing all the different things people were doing in this park, to people watching, napping, to even participating in a dance off! Some students had the chance to participate as well!
After all our stops, my friends & I met up with some of our other friends and went to the 9/11 memorial museum. That was hard for me especially because I lost someone very close. Seeing all the images and hearing voicemails being played throughout the museum was very heartbreaking. It honestly felt as if this was happening all over again. Too many emotions were going on and than seeing other people such as tourists not really understanding everything that we lived through during that time was tough too. Especially for the people smiling with different object, I understand they don't connect on the same level that people who lived in New York do but it was definitely still hard and upsetting to watch. I recommend if you decide to go to this museum you prepare yourself it was a lot harder for me than I thought it was going to be. After the Museum, we took our friends to walk the Brooklyn Bridge at night! We were so excited to be able to be the tour guides for once! It was so pretty seeing the city light up from the bridge! It was a very long day but it was worth every minute, had a great time learning and seeing parts of the city I never been to before!
Journal #7 Lower East Side
We left Penn Station earlier than usual today to go to the Tenement Museum in the Lower East Side. Before going to this museum I was honestly dreading it because I usually am not interested in history but I was so intrigued with everything our tour guide was saying. These living conditions were for immigrants who lived in this type of facility known as the tenements. This housing housed over 17,000 people with no running water or toilets one point. The family that I found to be very intresting was a Sicilian family named Baldese, The apartment was very tiny with one bedroom, small kitchen and a parlor. These rooms were not just used as a bedroom or kitchen but could also be used as the bedroom as well depending on the amount of children you had. Luckily, we were fortunate to listen to a tape recording of the lady who lived in this tenement as a child. It was so neat listening to her story of how she grew up and what her home life was like. She had no complaints, she was expressive of how happy she was when she would play games with her father such as checkers, Chinese checkers and card games. I loved hearing that because it made me think of my grandparents and how we still today play those games! Growing up back than must of been so hard but its amazing hearing that woman not complain once about her life.
After the museum we broke up in to small groups and had to follow directions. Our directions kept saying turn left when we were suppose to turn right so we got a little lost. We ended up in ChinaTown, it was very crowded but its always fun people watching and seeing who is selling items on canal street. Unfortunately due to getting lost we didn't have much time to shop around so we went to the Buddhist Temple and got fortunes! My fortune wasn't as good as I would have liked it to be so I donated another dollar to change my fortune. The smell in this Temple was very strong from all the in-scents that gave me a headache, they also sold jewelry.
We stopped for lunch at a Chinese Restaurant that Mike & Don chose all different types of food for us, which was different from what I would normally order. The food was excellent and I am so proud that I was able to try new foods. It was a nice break from being outside. After we ate, Katie & I decided to go grab some Gelato from Ferrara's that was my first time there and was so excited to go and experience the yummy gelato. We sprinted back with gelato dripping all over our face to make it back in time but it was so worth it, we had a great laugh.
Once we got back we met up with Jim the tour guy and we were off! We first went to the Economy Candy Store, boy I was in heaven! I can not wait to go back there to get more candy! Candy Galore!!! We walked to the old Baptist Church in the City from 1815. We saw many churches on this tour but I was too distracted by the butterfly that kept landing on everyone so I wasn't paying too much attention at this point. The Saint Augustine Episcopal Church on Henry Street Settlement was founded in 1893. My favorite stop during this walk was our last stop. It was beautiful and is the most beautiful synagogue in the United States.
Our class session ended there, but so of us continued the day to walk across the Williamsburg Bridge which was such a cool experience. The pink bridge was so 'hipster' and just fit perfectly for Brooklyn. The bridge opened in 1903 commonly referred to at the times as the "Jews Highway" which enabled new immigrants to live in tenements popping up in Williamsburg. (ENY 118) I loved this bridge for the simple fact it had a side strictly for walking and the opposite side was strictly for riding a bike. I loved that! We than went to enjoy a few beers and fries, I loved this class! Made great memories, thank you!
We left Penn Station earlier than usual today to go to the Tenement Museum in the Lower East Side. Before going to this museum I was honestly dreading it because I usually am not interested in history but I was so intrigued with everything our tour guide was saying. These living conditions were for immigrants who lived in this type of facility known as the tenements. This housing housed over 17,000 people with no running water or toilets one point. The family that I found to be very intresting was a Sicilian family named Baldese, The apartment was very tiny with one bedroom, small kitchen and a parlor. These rooms were not just used as a bedroom or kitchen but could also be used as the bedroom as well depending on the amount of children you had. Luckily, we were fortunate to listen to a tape recording of the lady who lived in this tenement as a child. It was so neat listening to her story of how she grew up and what her home life was like. She had no complaints, she was expressive of how happy she was when she would play games with her father such as checkers, Chinese checkers and card games. I loved hearing that because it made me think of my grandparents and how we still today play those games! Growing up back than must of been so hard but its amazing hearing that woman not complain once about her life.
After the museum we broke up in to small groups and had to follow directions. Our directions kept saying turn left when we were suppose to turn right so we got a little lost. We ended up in ChinaTown, it was very crowded but its always fun people watching and seeing who is selling items on canal street. Unfortunately due to getting lost we didn't have much time to shop around so we went to the Buddhist Temple and got fortunes! My fortune wasn't as good as I would have liked it to be so I donated another dollar to change my fortune. The smell in this Temple was very strong from all the in-scents that gave me a headache, they also sold jewelry.
We stopped for lunch at a Chinese Restaurant that Mike & Don chose all different types of food for us, which was different from what I would normally order. The food was excellent and I am so proud that I was able to try new foods. It was a nice break from being outside. After we ate, Katie & I decided to go grab some Gelato from Ferrara's that was my first time there and was so excited to go and experience the yummy gelato. We sprinted back with gelato dripping all over our face to make it back in time but it was so worth it, we had a great laugh.
Once we got back we met up with Jim the tour guy and we were off! We first went to the Economy Candy Store, boy I was in heaven! I can not wait to go back there to get more candy! Candy Galore!!! We walked to the old Baptist Church in the City from 1815. We saw many churches on this tour but I was too distracted by the butterfly that kept landing on everyone so I wasn't paying too much attention at this point. The Saint Augustine Episcopal Church on Henry Street Settlement was founded in 1893. My favorite stop during this walk was our last stop. It was beautiful and is the most beautiful synagogue in the United States.
Our class session ended there, but so of us continued the day to walk across the Williamsburg Bridge which was such a cool experience. The pink bridge was so 'hipster' and just fit perfectly for Brooklyn. The bridge opened in 1903 commonly referred to at the times as the "Jews Highway" which enabled new immigrants to live in tenements popping up in Williamsburg. (ENY 118) I loved this bridge for the simple fact it had a side strictly for walking and the opposite side was strictly for riding a bike. I loved that! We than went to enjoy a few beers and fries, I loved this class! Made great memories, thank you!
Journal #8 Lasting Impression
This has been an amazing class! By far my favorite class that I have taken at Molloy. I have learned so much about the city and now know how to take the subways which I am very excited about. I would recommend this class to anyone it truly is amazing and the professors are awesome! Be sure to wear comfortable sneakers you do a lot of fast pace walking but it is so worth it with everything you learn in this course! It went by way to fast and I can not wait to go back and explore the city with my family and friends to share with them everything I learned during this course.
This has been an amazing class! By far my favorite class that I have taken at Molloy. I have learned so much about the city and now know how to take the subways which I am very excited about. I would recommend this class to anyone it truly is amazing and the professors are awesome! Be sure to wear comfortable sneakers you do a lot of fast pace walking but it is so worth it with everything you learn in this course! It went by way to fast and I can not wait to go back and explore the city with my family and friends to share with them everything I learned during this course.