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!