Journal 4: Effervescent East Side

      It is the third day of our New York Gotham Experience and I am starting to get use to walking the streets of the city and falling in love with it. We finally stepped foot into the famous borough of Manhattan. After meeting in Penn Station, we took the uptown 6 train to 82nd street where we visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art, also sometimes known as The Met. It is the largest museum in the world and houses the largest Egyptian collection in the world. It is 1.5 million square feet and it has about a collection of 2 million objects from around the world (BG p. 326). The moment we entered the museum, it is hard not to be taken aback. There were many people and countless things to see. We headed over to the museum's modern art collection where there were pieces by many New York artists working after World War II. Some of these artists include Jackson Pollock and his style of abstract expressionism. We were able to see the progression of his work and the impact that alcoholism had on his life through his two works, Pasiphae (1943) and Autumn Rhythm (1950). Autumn Rhythm is a painting that uses the technique of dribbled, splashed, an poured paint. It is considered one of Pollock's most important works and is admired for its balance of control and spontaneity (BG p. 336). We also explored the works of Color Field painters, one of whom was Clyfford Still. Still also contributed to the abstract expressionist movement by expressing anger and emotion in his art through the use of jagged, torn forms. We also explored works by Mark Rothko, another Color Field painter who explored an art style called minimalism. In addition, we were introduced to pop art as seen in Jasper Johns' piece, White Flag. This piece is made out of wax and it is the largest of Johns' flag paintings. It is also the first one painted mono-chromatically (BG p.336). We also became acquainted with the piece, Canyon. by Robert Rauschenberg. He used "combines", which is a technique that combines actual objects in his artwork, such as a stuffed eagle.

     After exploring the Modern and Contemporary Art gallery, we then proceeded to the Andy Warhol exhibit, which consisted of paintings, sculptures, and films by the man himself. We had learned that Warhol had an enormous impact on contemporary art. Warhol's artworks mainly focused on advertisement and celebrities. For instance, we became acquainted with the piece, Ethel Scull 36 times, which was acrylic and silkscreen on canvas. We were given a few minutes to take a look around the exhibit ourselves. I came across a piece called Green Coca-Cola Bottles. It was silkscreen, acrylic, and grafite on canvas. This piece exemplifies Warhol's reproductive ease and use of mass media and products, such as the soup cans and bottles. I enjoyed the Warhol exhibit very much and felt that we were very lucky to be in the presence of such magnificent artwork. .

     

     

     

After the Warhol exhibit, we were given time to wander about the museum and explore. A few of my friends and I found ourselves in the South and Southeast Asian Art wing. Here we saw a beautiful temple called, Jain Temple. This temple was a meeting hall during the16th century in Gujarat (BG p. 36). It was a beautiful carved wooden dome with a supporting structure. Inside the dome, there are elaborate carvings that are suppose to represent the splendors of the heavenly realms. In the front of the dome, is a seated enlightened being called, tirthankara (BG p. 361). We were able to climb the stairs and look at the intricate details of the dome. It was simply breathtaking. 

    After getting the most out of our Met experience, we walked our way over to the beautiful and well-known Central Park. Central Park is 843 acres of land and is used as a source of recreation for New Yorkers and visitors. The park is man-made and was based on the designs of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. The design of Central Park was based on the belief for a common green space that was accessible to all (BG p.284). Once we entered Central Park we headed over to the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, where people were gathered enjoying the view, simply lounging, and taking pictures. The Bethesda Fountain was simple in its beauty. It had a statue at the center of the fountain called the Angel of the Waters, by Emma Stebbins. The statue is suppose to depict the biblical angel who stirred the waters of the Bethesda pool in Jerusalem (BG p. 290). On our way to Strawberry Fields, we stopped and took pictures on the enormous statue of Alice in Wonderland. When we got to Strawberry Fields we were told that it was called this, in honor of the songwriter, singer, and member of The Beatles, John Lennon. He was assassinated in the  courtyard of the Dakota Apartments, which was across the street from Strawberry Fields. As I tried to get through the crowd of people, I was able to see the black and white "Imagine" mosaic that was based on another famous song by John Lennon. Seated on the mosaic, we were also able to see a Japanese woman perform a harmonious traditional Japanese tea ceremony. As we left Strawberry Fields, we passed by the Dakota Apartmets, where Yoko Ono, John Lennon's widow, still lives. 

      After heading for lunch at a nearby sushi restaurant on the Westside, we headed towards fashionable Fifth Avenue. Fifth Avenue is considered a famous promenade in the city for its route of grand processions and grander stores (BG p.211). "Grand" is definitely the word, for we passed by stores such as Tiffany's, Louis Vuitton, and Prada. We were even given a few minutes to stop by the FAO Schwarz Toy Store, where we were greeted by a toy soldier. This toy store has an incredible selection of toys for every age, it is simply incomparable to other toy stores. After leaving toy heaven, we then passed by St. Patrick's Cathedral, where we admired its style of Gothic architecture. It is a famous city landmark and a symbol of success for New York Irish and Catholic immigrants (BG p.254). Although the cathedral is very grand and glorious, it can still be a place of comfort and peace for the busy life of New Yorkers. A prayer away, we then headed to the Plaza Hotel. Not only is it known for being the setting of Home Alone 2 and Eloise at the Plaza, it is also known for its famous guests who have stayed there, such as Mr and Mrs Alfred G. Vanderbilt, Mark Twain, Groucho Marx, and the Beatles. Its architect was Henry J. Hardenberg, who was admired for his skills of French Renaissance design (BG p.273). We also stopped by the busy Grand Central Terminal, which was on Park Avenue and 42nd St. Although it may look visually less exciting on the outside, inside is the site of marvel engineering and urban planning. Our last stop was then The New York Public Library. As we walked towards the front of the library, we became acquainted with the two marble lions, name Patience and Fortitude. They were by Edward C. Potter, and were named by Mayor Fiorello La Guardia in order to emphasize the virtues that New Yorkers should have during the difficult economic times of the Depression. Although, we were not able to go in and see the Main Reading Room, which houses a shelf collection of about 30,000 reference books, I will make sure to come by and visit next time! Now, time to go back to Fifth Avenue and do some retail damage!    

Journal 3: Blissful Brooklyn

It is now the second trip of the semester, and already I feel like I have learned so much about the greatest city in the world. On the second day of our New York adventure, Brooklyn welcomed us with open arms. Our first stop was Coney Island. A couple of my classmates and I took the F train to the last stop where we waited for the rest of the class. Although it was a long trip, I knew that it was going to be worth it. Before stepping foot on Coney Island, we were provided with a brief history on Brooklyn. We had learned that Coney Island was first settled by the Dutch in the 17th century (BG p. 492). The Dutch called it "Konijn Eiland" after the rabbits that they had found there (BG p. 492). Although a peninsula now, Coney Island was actually an island before. People would have to take a ferry to get to Coney Island. However, the island was later joined by landfill to the mainland (BG p.492). As we begin walking towards the magical Coney Island, we get closer to this vibrantly colored painted wall that had the words "Coney Island" on it. All of my senses kick in. I can smell the salty water, hear kids laughter, smell the Nathan's Famous hot-dogs in the air, and although, the amusement park was closed, I can still imagine hearing the rolling thunder of the Cyclone roller coaster.  Like a moth to a flame, Coney Island was luring me in. Mike and Meritta gave us about 50 minutes to take in all of what Coney Island had to offer. A group of my friends and I couldn't fight the temptation any longer and decided to treat ourselves to a Nathan's hotdog. Nathan's Famous is an iconic hot dog stand founded in 1916 at Stillwell Avenue (BG p.492). We then decided to walk the boardwalk and savage through a flea market that we had passed by earlier. Coney Island gives off a very laid back vibe. I believe it is a perfect place to just kick back, relax, and not have a care in the world.

     Although I'm sure I could have stayed in Coney Island forever, we were on to our next destination: The New York Transit Museum. When we took the train to Jay Street in Brooklyn Heights and headed out into the streets, we walked for a bit and then started to head down into what looked like another subway station. I was a tad confused as to why we were going to take the train again. However, my confusion didn't linger, when I saw that there was a hidden museum under this subway station. We were told that we would be given a short tour around the museum and then we would be able to explore it on our own. We had learned that the Transit Museum was actually an unused subway station. 

That might explain why the entrance to the museum was so deceiving! The Transit Museum was inaugurated in 1976 (BG p. 468). The tour guide had also explained how the transit system came to be. Due to bad weather conditions, some people may not be able to travel to work above ground, so an underground transit system seemed fit. We had also learned about the dangerous conditions that Italian and Irish immigrants had to work in when building the tunnels through the cut and cover method. Workers also had to be very careful when working and could only work for a certain amount of time due to high air pressure. The first subway line ran in 1904. Since I commute a lot, I thought the tour was very interesting. I always wondered the process that it took to build these subway stations. After the tour, my friend and I looked at the displays of all the different subway cars that had been running since 1904. Looking at the old advertisements and sitting on the chairs, I almost felt like I was traveling through time when I went inside each car. I enjoyed the museum a lot and highly recommend it to other people. Not only did I learn about the subway stations and its vital role in New York City, but I also enjoyed that the museum was like a playground where the displays were there to be touched and played with. 

    

 After enjoying our time in the Transit Museum, we continued on and walked the streets of Brooklyn Heights. We passed by the Brooklyn Borough Hall, which was the original city hall. The building's architectural design was called Greek Revival. It also portrayed neoclassical architectural design through its large columns.So far we have learned about three architectural designs, art deco, neoclassical, and gothic. Gothic architecture is present in some of the churches that are in Brooklyn Heights. One of the many churches that we passed by was the Spencer Memorial Church. Since Brooklyn Heights is scattered with churches, this is probably why Brooklyn Heights is sometimes called the city of churches. We finally get to the southwest corner of Clinton St, where the Brooklyn Historical Society stands. It was founded in 1863 and use to be known as the Long Island Historical Society (BG p. 472). The Brooklyn Honor Society was made in order to preserve Brooklyn history and culture. We were given a brief tour inside the museum where we saw an exhibit called "Inventing Brooklyn". It was a permanent collection that explored the history of Brooklyn, its people, and its faces through photographs and archival materials. For example, I was able to see Native American artifacts including arrowheads and shells. Inside, there was also a library that can be used for free as long as you paid for admission to the museum. After the tour of the museum, we were then given an outside tour of Brooklyn Heights. We walked through Montague St, and passed by bank row, where we were surrounded by endless banks. We then ended up in the Promenade. In front of us was a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. We were also given a little history lesson on the Promenade, it was the site of the "Four Chimneys". This is where George Washington had his temporary headquarters and made the decision to withdraw his army across to Manhattan (BG p. 473). I thought that the tour was very interesting. I have never been to Brooklyn Heights or the Promenade. So, it was very eye-opening to know that almost every street corner in Brooklyn, had a story.

After the tour of Brooklyn Heights, we walked our way over to the majestic Brooklyn Bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge was opened on May 25,1883. It was a very big project to build the Brooklyn Bridge. It employed about 4,000 people, took 14 years to build, and cost $15 million dollars (BG p.464). I can never get tired of walking the Brooklyn Bridge. I believe it has one of the best views of New York City without even having to pay a cent. As we walk the Brooklyn Bride and get farther away from Brooklyn, I am walking away with more knowledge of the people and places of Brooklyn. Parting is such sweet sorrow, but Brooklyn, you have tired me out! Till next time!    

   

         

   

     

Journal 2: The Borough of Queens Graces Us With Her Presence

     The day has finally come. It is the first day of our New York experience, and I couldn't wait for the exploration to begin! Although, I live in Flushing, Queens, I still had to take the 7 subway line, or otherwise known as the "International Express", to the Citi Field stop to meet with my other classmates who were coming from Penn Station. The 7 subway line, definitely got its title of "International Express" for a reason. The 7 line "traverses so many different ethnic communities" (BG p.493). When sitting on the 7 train line, it is hard not to notice that you are surrounded by a symphony of different dialects.
   

     After arriving in Citi Field and meeting with the class, we started our voyage. We were going to explore Queens starting from the east and working our way to the west point of Queens. Our first stop was Flushing Meadow Park. While walking through the park, we also passed by the USTA National Tennis Center, where there were crowds of people waiting to watch the the US Open games. Before Mike and Meritta brought us to the famous Unisphere, they provided us with a little background information on Flushing Meadow Park. During the early nineteenth century, Flushing Meadow Park started out as a salt marsh and then was turned into a dump where garbage and ashes would be dropped off from Brooklyn. Who would've thought that this now beautiful park was once a swamp that was covered with stinky garbage and ashes? They could have fooled me. As an act of environmental restoration, Robert Moses, a parks commissioner at the time, had the garbage removed, relocated the site where the garbage was dumped, and restored the park which therefore made it possible to hold the 1939 and 1964 World's Fair there. The World's Fair was considered a universal and international exposition. For example, the 1964 World's Fair, focused on "Man's Achievements on a Shrinking Globe in an Expanding Universe" (BG p.497). We also learned that Robert Moses was not only instrumental in restoring Flushing Meadow Park but we also learned that he was a master road builder. He intertwined the borough of Queens with highways such as the Grand Central Parkway, Cross Island Parkway, and the Long Island Expressway, to name a few (BG p. 493). After learning a bit about the park, we finally saw the infamous Unisphere. Although I have seen it a couple of times, it always manages to take my breathe away. I think this is because of its size and magnitude but also because it is monumental to the progression of Queens.

     After feeling like an ant next to the Unisphere, we headed over to the Queens Museum. The Queens Museum was first used as an exhibition for the 1939 World's Fair. It was also used by the United Nations General Assembly before it settled into its permanent headquarters (BG p.497). When we arrived at the museum, we were given a guided tour. We were first introduced to a scale model of the New York City watershed. This model depicts the water supply system in New York City from the Delaware River to the waters of the Nassau County. The model was very interesting because we were able to see exactly where our water comes from when we turn on the faucet. 

     The tour guide then brought us to the main attraction, which was the Panorama. The Panorama was commissioned by none other than Robert Moses for the 1964 World's Fair (BG p. 497). When we entered the room, we were embraced by a massive architectural model of New York and a small airplane taking off from the model and into the ceiling. The model was very impressive to say the least. It was full of intricate details and precisely imitated all the 5 boroughs, body of water, airports, and bridges that are in New York. I swear I almost found myself trying to look for my apartment building in the model. This was probably my favorite part of the museum visit.
   

     After visiting the Queens Museum, we then hopped back on the 7 train and headed to Jackson Heights to have lunch. We arrived in Little India, where we were immersed in Indian culture. A few blocks down, there were also a cluster of stores and restaurants of other cultures, such as the Colombian and Philippine culture. On our way to lunch, we passed by many Indian stores that sold saris, imports, and Bollywood DVD's. For a second, I definitely almost felt like I was in India. We ate at this Indian buffet called Jackson Diner. The moment you walk into the restaurant, you can automatically smell the delicious curry. They had an assortment of different Indian cuisines. I was starving and made sure to try almost everything, and I did not regret it. I can eat chicken tandoori all day (although I don't think my stomach would agree).

     About 10 minutes into my food coma, we continue on our voyage. We hopped back on the train, and headed for Steinway in Astoria. Upon arriving in Steinway, we were told that Astoria has a large population of Greeks and a growing Arab and Latino population (BG p.499). On or way to the Museum of the Moving Image, we learned that before World War II, Astoria was a center of film-making industry (BG p.499). Today, next to the museum, the Kaufman Astoria Studios is still being used for filming shows, such as Nurse Jackie and Sesame Street. I enjoyed the museum very much and have learned that a lot has progressed in the history of television and film-making. I also learned that a lot goes into the technical aspects of producing movies and TV as well. It was also fun to be able to see up close the intricate  masks and costumes that actors have used in movies, such as the bodysuit used by Robin Williams in the film Mrs. Doubtfire.

     After the museum, we made a quick stop at 5Pointz: The Institute of Higher Burnin'. 5Pointz is an outdoor exhibit that is devoted solely for the art of graffiti. We were able to meet a graffiti artist who has pieces of his work there. Graffiti artists just have to show the owner a sketch of their work, and once they get approval from the owner and there is available space, they are free to graffiti. It was amazing to see all of the different styles of graffiti that each artist uses.

 
     The last and final stop on our Queens adventure, was Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City. Long Island City is considered to be an industrial neighborhood, where it is a center for contemporary art and sculpture (BG p.495). On our way to the park, we had passed by the outside of P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center. It is a center that is partnered with MoMA and embraces new and adventurous art (BG p.495). When entering Gantry Plaza State Park, the first thing that we saw was the Pepsi-Cola sign, but as we got closer we saw the beautiful New York City skyline. We had learned that the architectural design of the New York City skyscrapers was called Art Deco, which was predominant during the 1920's and is characterized by bold and precise geometric shapes. As we walked a little more, we were introduced to the enormous gantries that have been preserved by the city. With the breathe-taking skyline in front of us, this was the perfect end to the day.

There was a lot to take in during the first day of our New York adventure. I very much enjoyed exploring Queens. Although I am from Queens, I have never stepped foot in the Queens Museum or have eaten in Little India. This just shows, that there is always something new to see in New York City. Till next time! Into Brooklyn we go!

   

   
   
   
   

Journal 1: Reflection on New York

     New York City. Three small words that does not do justice to the great melting pot that is the Big Apple. So I may be a little bias when comparing New York City to other cities of the world, but hey, what else can you expect from someone who was born and raised in New York? Although, I was born in Queens, I am only a train ride away from the city. New York City has become the backdrop of many of my experiences growing up.

     When thinking of New York City, I first think of the hustle and bustle flow of Times Square. The large masses of people coming from many different parts of the world, the constant stream of yellow taxis, the smell of peanuts from the vendor and the flashing lights beaming from every billboard. I think Times Square is the quintessential snapshot of what New York City represents. It is the city that never sleeps. It is a place of endless possibilities, where people of every background are welcome. What I love most about New York City is that there are always places to go and discover. New York City is always evolving and there is always something new to see. I believe that people are attracted to this city because it opens people's minds through theater, artwork, music, the nightlife and many other things. New York City is where people go to make their dreams real. What I also love about New York City is that you almost never feel lonely. It's as if the city is always your companion. The lights and the noise all become a part of you.     

     I believe that people who want to fulfill their dreams go to New York City because anywhere you look, can be a source of inspiration. For instance, when I think of New York City, I think of the museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the MoMA. I remember my first visit to the MoMA, I was in awe of the artwork that was featured in a Tim Burton exhibit. I enjoyed it very much because it opened my eyes to a different perspective on art. Inspiration can also be drawn from the Broadway shows that New York City has to offer, such as the beautiful Phantom of the Opera.  

     When people think of New York City, they of course picture in their mind, a great big city. However, it is not just a place filled with noisy taxis and towering skyscrapers. It is also a place that embraces nature. For instance, the very famous Central Park, is one of my favorite places to go and just climb on a rock and clear my head and enjoy the scenery. I love that if New Yorkers wanted to take a break from the busy and fast life of New  York City, they can just head to Central Park and read a book or simply enjoy the view of the pond and the boathouse. I also love that you can go to farmers markets and buy homemade jam or fresh vegetables from a farm.

     Another thing that I love about New York, is the food. Since New York City is considered to be a big melting pot, it is fortunate enough to be populated by such different cultures. New York City is a place where people come from all over the world. It is a city that embraces the differences in cultures and beliefs.  It is almost impossible to avoid trying new cuisines, such as Chinese cuisines in Chinatown or Italian food in Little Italy. So instead of flying ten hours to Italy to eat Penne a la Vodka, why not simply take a train ride to Little Italy and get something pretty close to the authentic cuisine? With all the different selections of food, it is hard not to feel like a kid in a candy store when I am in New York City.

     Although I have seen some parts of New York City, I believe that there are endless amount of things and places left to be seen. There is a story for every street corner in New York City.  That's the thing about New York City, there is always room for learning and new experiences. I am excited to start this class and I hope to make new discoveries. I am for sure this class will make me more proud to be a New Yorker. So here's to the semester! Another opportunity for New York City to woo me with her beauty!