5. Upper East Side/Spanish Harlem/Central Park
Today was tons of fun, lots of laughs and of course like always a ton of knowledge! We took the subway to East Harlem. When entering Spanish Harlem you immediately felt the sense of a strong community filled with people who truly respected their neighbor. When walking down the streets you saw men all huddled outside playing games, gossiping amongst themselves and saying hi to almost everyone who walked by. We came across the George Washington Carver Houses which were built to keep all the poor together in one area. Our next stop was the Museum of the City of New York on fifth ave. When we got there, we were shown a video on the progress of New York City from 1609 until today. It was very informative and interesting to see how the city has expanded. I liked how the showed pictures of how the poor lived in tenements and then how the rich lived at the time also. Of course we couldn't leave without seeing the amazing and wonderful Guastavino tile (Mikes favorite) and then headed out to the El Museo Del Barrio. At the El Museo we stopped and got food if we needed to or a quick bathroom break and then we met our awesome tour guide for the afternoon Lucas. I really enjoyed how before we started our tour he took the time out to learn all of our names and how we were feeling. It showed us just how the community in Spanish Harlem works, and how everyone knows each other. He then recited us one of his poems, about a women singing on the D train. We then began our walking tour of Spanish Harlem. We stopped at a famous mural on the wall of one of the buildings done by Hank Prussing in 1978. It was to show the sense of community of all the different people that live in el Barrio. We then proceeded to a garden where there was more famous art work, a painting of two famous women, Frida Kahlo and Julia De Burgos. There was also in the garden a sculpture of the female ovaries, symbolizing the power and strength women have. It's called "The Seed of Growth." Our next stop was a bookstore called De Casa Azul where we were introducted to the owner and she spoke of how she founded the store and how she got donations from the community to open the bookstore. It was really neat inside, and nice to know the community is for their children's education.
We had lunch, and then gathered together to begin our tour of Central Park. First stop was the Conservatory Garden. "This garden-the only formal garden in Central PArk-is named for an 1898 greenhouse or conservatory that once stood on this site, but which was created as a depression-era WPA (Works Project Administration) effort to provide work for unemployed New Yorkers(ENY p. 65)" We continued on, stopping to look at all the buildings along the way, and Mike explained to us that Central Park was completely man made, which was very interesting to learn. Mike also told us that there were places in central park that people went and had sex, which was also a little fun fact. I really enjoyed central park, and walking through it, there was a peaceful feeling to it. I really liked the boat pond and seeing all the turtles that were swimming in it. It was beautiful. We also then got to see Strawberry Fields and the apartment building where John Lennon and his wife lived that was across the street. It was the same place where he was shot and killed, so it was cool to feel like you were there and apart of history. We continued our walk, and past the children's zoo, which I kind of wish we got a chance to visit. It was a very long day filled with lots of walking, but tons of fun as well. We ended and headed back to Penn, where me Justine and Nicole had some food, and caught the train home.
We had lunch, and then gathered together to begin our tour of Central Park. First stop was the Conservatory Garden. "This garden-the only formal garden in Central PArk-is named for an 1898 greenhouse or conservatory that once stood on this site, but which was created as a depression-era WPA (Works Project Administration) effort to provide work for unemployed New Yorkers(ENY p. 65)" We continued on, stopping to look at all the buildings along the way, and Mike explained to us that Central Park was completely man made, which was very interesting to learn. Mike also told us that there were places in central park that people went and had sex, which was also a little fun fact. I really enjoyed central park, and walking through it, there was a peaceful feeling to it. I really liked the boat pond and seeing all the turtles that were swimming in it. It was beautiful. We also then got to see Strawberry Fields and the apartment building where John Lennon and his wife lived that was across the street. It was the same place where he was shot and killed, so it was cool to feel like you were there and apart of history. We continued our walk, and past the children's zoo, which I kind of wish we got a chance to visit. It was a very long day filled with lots of walking, but tons of fun as well. We ended and headed back to Penn, where me Justine and Nicole had some food, and caught the train home.
6. The West Side & Harlem
Well, thank god the Rail Road workers came to an agreement and the strike ended so we could continue class as planned! Woohoo! Our first stop today out of Penn Station was the Macy's. I really liked looking at this building because "Macy's occupies the entire block between Broadway and 7th Ave. and is the largest department store in the world (ENY, pg 31)" and also because my mom is a manager at Macy's in Roosevelt Field Mall, so it was fun to see. We the proceeded on to Herald's Square. On our walk we stopped to admire all the different sky scrapers and architecture. They were extremely beautiful and made me feel so small like a little ant in the city. We headed to Times Square, where as much as I was trying to pay attention, there were so many people dressed up as Disney Characters, and a Woody tried to hug me and I was a little weirded out. We then marched on to the famous Rockefeller Center where all the NBC television shows are shot. Such as Jimmy Fallon and the famous Saturday Night Live. We stopped in the lobby to take note of the wonderful art work on the walls. This type of artwork that was displayed is called "Social Realism" It is political and a form of propaganda. It definitely gives the walls a lot of character and was stunning to look at. We stepped outside, and were given a 10 minute break to look around for ourselves, Me and Justine took a seat on a bench and took a few moments to admire the sights around us, before we quickly had to move again to our next destination.
Our next stop was the MOMO. Mike was waiting for us outside with our tickets and when we got their he gave us some knowledge about the MOMO and Damion told us about the different types of artwork we were going to get to look at. I am not the biggest fan of art, but I did enjoy the soup cans in the Andy Warhol area. Those were fun to look at! The museum itself was very nice, and it was also enjoyable to be out of the sun and in AC for a while! It was then time to head over to Hell's Kitchen for some free lunch. Thai Food! It was my first time trying it and I absolutely loved it. The dumplings were so yummy and although my food was last to come out I really enjoyed my Sweet and Sour Chicken and rice. It was very tasty.
We then headed to the Cathedral of St. John the Devine where we met our tour guide Jim. He seemed to really have his stuff down pat, he was also very interesting to listen to when he talked about the structure of the cathedral and the different architecture used. The dome of this cathedral is the largest dome in the United States. We then got to go inside the church, and the stain glass windows were gorgeous, and the church itself was so big you could get lost inside. It was very nice inside, and calm. It was nice to visit this church because I myself am Episcopalian so it meant something to me religiously. Next, Jim took us to Columbia University. WOW! What a remarkable campus, filled with such beautiful buildings, it kind of made me want to transfer from Molloy.
The next place on our tour was General Grants tome. "Ulysses S. Grant was commander of the Union Army during the Civil War and President of the United States from 1869-1877."(ENY pg.75) Inside was where Grant and his wife tomes were. It was really cool to be standing in front of a dead president. Outside the memorial, we played a game to win the lucky bracelet where you had to answer questions about things we learned. I unfortunately didn't get any points, although I knew why Coney Island got its name, but congrats to Kathleen on winning the bracelet! You go girl!
We then continued our tour to Harlem. On the way I showed Mike my talent and did some cartwheels for him. I flip out for the city! We stopped at a Statue of Harriet Tubman which was really beautiful and represents alot for the African American community. Walking through Harlem was a lot of fun, there was tons of people, lots of music and good vibes all around. Although at this point in the day I was exhausted but overall it was a pretty great day. We took the subway back to Penn and headed home for the night.
Our next stop was the MOMO. Mike was waiting for us outside with our tickets and when we got their he gave us some knowledge about the MOMO and Damion told us about the different types of artwork we were going to get to look at. I am not the biggest fan of art, but I did enjoy the soup cans in the Andy Warhol area. Those were fun to look at! The museum itself was very nice, and it was also enjoyable to be out of the sun and in AC for a while! It was then time to head over to Hell's Kitchen for some free lunch. Thai Food! It was my first time trying it and I absolutely loved it. The dumplings were so yummy and although my food was last to come out I really enjoyed my Sweet and Sour Chicken and rice. It was very tasty.
We then headed to the Cathedral of St. John the Devine where we met our tour guide Jim. He seemed to really have his stuff down pat, he was also very interesting to listen to when he talked about the structure of the cathedral and the different architecture used. The dome of this cathedral is the largest dome in the United States. We then got to go inside the church, and the stain glass windows were gorgeous, and the church itself was so big you could get lost inside. It was very nice inside, and calm. It was nice to visit this church because I myself am Episcopalian so it meant something to me religiously. Next, Jim took us to Columbia University. WOW! What a remarkable campus, filled with such beautiful buildings, it kind of made me want to transfer from Molloy.
The next place on our tour was General Grants tome. "Ulysses S. Grant was commander of the Union Army during the Civil War and President of the United States from 1869-1877."(ENY pg.75) Inside was where Grant and his wife tomes were. It was really cool to be standing in front of a dead president. Outside the memorial, we played a game to win the lucky bracelet where you had to answer questions about things we learned. I unfortunately didn't get any points, although I knew why Coney Island got its name, but congrats to Kathleen on winning the bracelet! You go girl!
We then continued our tour to Harlem. On the way I showed Mike my talent and did some cartwheels for him. I flip out for the city! We stopped at a Statue of Harriet Tubman which was really beautiful and represents alot for the African American community. Walking through Harlem was a lot of fun, there was tons of people, lots of music and good vibes all around. Although at this point in the day I was exhausted but overall it was a pretty great day. We took the subway back to Penn and headed home for the night.
7. Lower Manhattan
Today was extremely hot!! Despite the heat, we were determined to make our second to last class as enjoyable as possible. I was really excited our first visit was going to be the World Trade Center, since I have never been there before. Before we visited the actual memorial, we stopped at St Pauls church, where George Washington himself use to attend mass. The crazy thing about the church is it across from the once was twin towers, and it survived the attack on 9/11. Devine Intervention? It turns out Mike told us a huge tree blocked the building from falling on the church and wrecking it. We then headed to the Woolworth Building. This was the tallest building in New York until the 1930.
The 9/11 Memorial was very touching. I really was happy I got a chance to visit because it was something I was wanting to do for a while now. I feel like since I lived through this horrific event, it is only right that I go there to honor the brave men and women, the heroes, and those who died in the tragedy. It was also nice to see the one tree that survived the attack, and then again the hurricane, that little tree has some strong roots! The fountains the put in place of where the tours were are very beautiful. It was a very patriotic experience.
The day was moving a little slow until we approached the African Burial Ground. This interested me a great deal. The museum is dedicated to African Americans, and their loved ones who were buried in this area in the 1800's and weren't discovered until 1991. Construction workers discovered the burial grounds, and politicians wanted to still build over it, but the african community managed to get together to have this museum created to honor those who died. We got into the museum and we watched an amazing and touching film on how African Americans slave lived back then. We got to look around at all the different exhibits, it was an overall moving experience and I am glad I got to visit.
We then continued to Trinity Church. They had a art piece of the roots of the tree that protected St Paul's church when the twin towers fell. The graveyard of the church was very calm, and it was nice to relax for a second there. Alexander Hamilton was also buried there, along with his wife, which was interesting. I saw a little girl running around in a princess costume though, which was confusing because it is a cemetery.. not a playground.
Finally, a 4:00 ferry to Governors Island. I was super excited to go because I have never been there before. When we got there we decided to spend the next two hours on the island. We went to Fort Jay, and got a tour of the prison which was actually really uncomfortable and hot, but still pretty cool. I most definitely wouldn't have wanted to been a prisoner in there during the summer! The the group headed over to relax on the hammocks which were surrounded by daisy fields, it was a nice time to spend with my friends, and take photos. Time moved pretty quickly, and we had to get back on the ferry to head home. It was a long, sweaty day, but well worth it.
The 9/11 Memorial was very touching. I really was happy I got a chance to visit because it was something I was wanting to do for a while now. I feel like since I lived through this horrific event, it is only right that I go there to honor the brave men and women, the heroes, and those who died in the tragedy. It was also nice to see the one tree that survived the attack, and then again the hurricane, that little tree has some strong roots! The fountains the put in place of where the tours were are very beautiful. It was a very patriotic experience.
The day was moving a little slow until we approached the African Burial Ground. This interested me a great deal. The museum is dedicated to African Americans, and their loved ones who were buried in this area in the 1800's and weren't discovered until 1991. Construction workers discovered the burial grounds, and politicians wanted to still build over it, but the african community managed to get together to have this museum created to honor those who died. We got into the museum and we watched an amazing and touching film on how African Americans slave lived back then. We got to look around at all the different exhibits, it was an overall moving experience and I am glad I got to visit.
We then continued to Trinity Church. They had a art piece of the roots of the tree that protected St Paul's church when the twin towers fell. The graveyard of the church was very calm, and it was nice to relax for a second there. Alexander Hamilton was also buried there, along with his wife, which was interesting. I saw a little girl running around in a princess costume though, which was confusing because it is a cemetery.. not a playground.
Finally, a 4:00 ferry to Governors Island. I was super excited to go because I have never been there before. When we got there we decided to spend the next two hours on the island. We went to Fort Jay, and got a tour of the prison which was actually really uncomfortable and hot, but still pretty cool. I most definitely wouldn't have wanted to been a prisoner in there during the summer! The the group headed over to relax on the hammocks which were surrounded by daisy fields, it was a nice time to spend with my friends, and take photos. Time moved pretty quickly, and we had to get back on the ferry to head home. It was a long, sweaty day, but well worth it.
8. Immigrant New York
Oy Vey! I couldn't believe today was our last class. I have grown so close to all my classmates and have really enjoyed spending time in the city learning with them and Mike and Damion, but every good thing must come to an end. This day was cut short due to us already making up time because of the strike, so we ended rather early. We took the subway to Delancey Street Station where we saw the Essex Market. We then headed to a local Bialy's place Kossar's. Mike took our bagel and bialys order, we grabbed some drinks and we walked to Seward Park to eat breakfast. They were really good, minus the fact we got the wrong cream cheese and Nick got lost trying to bring us the right kind, so I had to use butter. We hung in the park and then began our second tour with the famous Jim. We began our tour and saw many different tenement houses, which were very interesting. We also saw a few different churches that have been changed over the years to fit a more jewish community. There was also a lot of gentrification. I really enjoyed learning about the tenement housing, Jim told us that the law was passed that if there was more the 20 people living there, there was to be running water and also an escape ladder so people wouldn't get caught in fires.
We then headed to the Henry Street Settlement, which was the nursing place for the community. It was created by Lilian Wald. She helped the community adjust to their new life. We then continued on to St Mary's Church. It is one of the oldest churches in the city. As we kept walking to meet Mike for Chinese food, we passed alot of smelly places and even saw a dead rat, which really grossed me out, especially before eating lunch. Our class, tour guide Jim, Mike and Damion all sat down for a Chinese buffet at Congee Village. I really enjoyed the food, everything was really good. It was super sad to have to say goodbye to everyone. This class was really one for the books, and I have nothing but wonderful memories. After lunch and our goodbye's, Justine, Nicole and I went shopping on Broadway. We then headed back to Penn one last time, and took our final train ride home. We talked about how much we really are gonna miss this gotham experience.
We then headed to the Henry Street Settlement, which was the nursing place for the community. It was created by Lilian Wald. She helped the community adjust to their new life. We then continued on to St Mary's Church. It is one of the oldest churches in the city. As we kept walking to meet Mike for Chinese food, we passed alot of smelly places and even saw a dead rat, which really grossed me out, especially before eating lunch. Our class, tour guide Jim, Mike and Damion all sat down for a Chinese buffet at Congee Village. I really enjoyed the food, everything was really good. It was super sad to have to say goodbye to everyone. This class was really one for the books, and I have nothing but wonderful memories. After lunch and our goodbye's, Justine, Nicole and I went shopping on Broadway. We then headed back to Penn one last time, and took our final train ride home. We talked about how much we really are gonna miss this gotham experience.
9.Overall Experience
I can honestly say this has been my favorite class I have taken so far at Molloy. This class was such a wonderful and pleasurable experience. First off, my classmates are now some of my closest friends, and they were such wonderful people and I am very lucky to have been in a class filled with such good people. There was never a dull moment with this group of clowns! Everyone was so nice, easy going, and just over all fun classmates to be around, and you don't get that too often. Second of all we couldn't have had better professors, Mike and Damion were full of life and knowledge and really made learning so much fun. The Gotham course overall has taught me to have so much more respect for the city, and that it is more then a place filled with buildings and bright lights. There is so much history their, that has a huge part in the development and growth of the most famous city in the world. It has so many different places, filled with a variety of people and no block is the same as the first. The class has also taught me to feel safer traveling on my own in the city, since I learned all the subway trains and how to get back to Penn Station at the end of the day. I HIGHLY recommend other students to take this class and I will never forget my Gotham Experience! Peace out New York!