Journal 2
Wild West Side
We started today with a walk through the beautiful and lively Time Square. Time Square is like the hub to both the Theater and Business districts. Time Square at one point was a very unsafe area for people to travel due to high rates of crime and drugs, but today it is one of NYCs most popular tourist sites. After our shot look and history lesson of Time Square it was off to “The Rock” or Rockefeller Center. The G.E Building which was the first building Rockefeller had built was simply gorgeous. The art work that covered the ceiling in the lobby and the architecture on the building itself gave the building a sense of power, which the Rockefellers certainly had back in their day. Rockefeller Center is where some of NBC’s most popular TV shows are filmed, most notably Saturday Night Live. After a quick run through of the air conditioned NBC store and failing to locate the giant Christmas tree I love coming to see it was off to the Museum of Modern Art or more simple MoMa.
MoMa shows a nice balance of some of the most historic and fascinating paintings along with some new more contemporary pieces. My contemporary piece was the sculptures done by Claes Oldenburg. His sculptures where all unigue but the oversized food ones though simple where pretty awesome. My favorite classical piece was Van Gogh’s Starry Starry Night. This piece stood out to me because all through art classes I have taken these one piece is always talked about and too be standing less than 5 feet away from it was pretty awesome! With our short but informative visit to MoMa over and complete it was time to head over to Hells Kitchen for some Thai food that I was less than excited about L.
Thai food at Yummy Yummy wasn’t that bad but it wasn’t great either, I played it safe and just got Sweet and Sour Chicken. After our lunch break it was right on the train and up to Harlem we went. Once in Harlem we met up with our tour guide Jim who shared a vast amount of knowledge to us. As soon as we were about to start our walking tour of Harlem the skies opened up and it began to rain pretty heavily. Mike made the decision to end the class and we all fled home like we were all going to melt from a little rain.
We started today with a walk through the beautiful and lively Time Square. Time Square is like the hub to both the Theater and Business districts. Time Square at one point was a very unsafe area for people to travel due to high rates of crime and drugs, but today it is one of NYCs most popular tourist sites. After our shot look and history lesson of Time Square it was off to “The Rock” or Rockefeller Center. The G.E Building which was the first building Rockefeller had built was simply gorgeous. The art work that covered the ceiling in the lobby and the architecture on the building itself gave the building a sense of power, which the Rockefellers certainly had back in their day. Rockefeller Center is where some of NBC’s most popular TV shows are filmed, most notably Saturday Night Live. After a quick run through of the air conditioned NBC store and failing to locate the giant Christmas tree I love coming to see it was off to the Museum of Modern Art or more simple MoMa.
MoMa shows a nice balance of some of the most historic and fascinating paintings along with some new more contemporary pieces. My contemporary piece was the sculptures done by Claes Oldenburg. His sculptures where all unigue but the oversized food ones though simple where pretty awesome. My favorite classical piece was Van Gogh’s Starry Starry Night. This piece stood out to me because all through art classes I have taken these one piece is always talked about and too be standing less than 5 feet away from it was pretty awesome! With our short but informative visit to MoMa over and complete it was time to head over to Hells Kitchen for some Thai food that I was less than excited about L.
Thai food at Yummy Yummy wasn’t that bad but it wasn’t great either, I played it safe and just got Sweet and Sour Chicken. After our lunch break it was right on the train and up to Harlem we went. Once in Harlem we met up with our tour guide Jim who shared a vast amount of knowledge to us. As soon as we were about to start our walking tour of Harlem the skies opened up and it began to rain pretty heavily. Mike made the decision to end the class and we all fled home like we were all going to melt from a little rain.
Lower Manhattan and Captivating Chelsea
First stop on our exploration of the day was City Hall which was just a short subway ride and walk away. Never having seen City Hall this close up it was an awesome experience. Our tour guide was named Sheila; she was a cute older lady who seemed to have an endless amount of knowledge regarding this historic building. After she went over some history of the building; which included that this is the oldest still active city hall in the country, and the interesting fact that when originally first constructed they did not continue the amazing architecture on the rear of the building because at the time it was only woodlands behind it so no one would see it. As we walked into the building you were met by a large floating staircase that wrapped around behind you to the second level. We headed up this amazing staircase and entered the Governors Room. This room housed a massive collection of paintings of both presidents and governors from New York. The two most notable things in the room where George Washingtons writing desk where he wrote his inauguration speech and Fiorello LaGuardia’s desk where he performed Sunday morning cartoons when there was a stoppage on the papers. We lastly visited the city council room where council was in session discussing what seemed to be the US Tennis Open that is held in Queens every year. With the conclusion of this tour we headed down the road a little to St.Pauls Church.
St. Pauls church re-gained its “fame” after the September 11th terrorist attacks. This church was the place where first responders took refuge and lived during the months that followed in the recovery. Sine 9-11 the church has become more of a picture frozen in time of what it was like in those days and months following the attacks.
We then walked over to the 9/11 memorial. The memorial itself was amazing and I think paid great tribute to all of those who lost their lives that tragic day. The two footprints which were turned into never ending waterfalls and the trees around it really where breathtaking. I was however very upset to see people selling 9/11 merchandise across the street then pocketing all the money they make instead of giving it to the families or the memorial.
Trinity Church was next on the list. To me the most interesting thing about this church was the small graveyard that was located right next to it. To most people it would be just another graveyard, but this one was the final resting place to Alexander Hamilton. After taking in all the Church had to offer we headed down Wall Street to the financial capital of the world. Here behind the mason and brick walls billions upon billions of dollars where being made and the countries financial stability was at these traders hands. We then took a quick walk through the Federal Hall building which was displaying an awesome collection of US Coast Guard paintings. Outside on the steps leading into the building was a giant statue of George Washington. This statue is placed where he stood when he gave his inauguration speech.
A short walk over to Bowling Green Park and the Native American Museum was next up. From the park you could look out over the southernmost tip of Manhattan to where the Hudson and East River split.
Finaly after all of this walking it was time for lunch!!! We took a short subway ride and walked about 2 blocks to Chelsea Market. Inside there were a lot of choices for lunch but none that particuallry stood out to me. We ended up eating at some yuppie joint where I had the most over priced B.L.A.T in the world, but I guess you can say that’s part of the New York Experience.
After refueling our tanks we took a leasurly stroll along the High Line, which is an abandoned line of train tracks that has now been turned into a beautiful park. We got off the High Line and perused some galleries. Not being a huge art fan it was hard for me to stay focused while we bounced around to about 8 galleries in total. With 6:00 came the closing time for all the galleries and fortunately but unfortunately it brought our class to an end. A large group of us walked back to Penn Station in world record speed and caught the train that was about to leave and headed on our way home.
First stop on our exploration of the day was City Hall which was just a short subway ride and walk away. Never having seen City Hall this close up it was an awesome experience. Our tour guide was named Sheila; she was a cute older lady who seemed to have an endless amount of knowledge regarding this historic building. After she went over some history of the building; which included that this is the oldest still active city hall in the country, and the interesting fact that when originally first constructed they did not continue the amazing architecture on the rear of the building because at the time it was only woodlands behind it so no one would see it. As we walked into the building you were met by a large floating staircase that wrapped around behind you to the second level. We headed up this amazing staircase and entered the Governors Room. This room housed a massive collection of paintings of both presidents and governors from New York. The two most notable things in the room where George Washingtons writing desk where he wrote his inauguration speech and Fiorello LaGuardia’s desk where he performed Sunday morning cartoons when there was a stoppage on the papers. We lastly visited the city council room where council was in session discussing what seemed to be the US Tennis Open that is held in Queens every year. With the conclusion of this tour we headed down the road a little to St.Pauls Church.
St. Pauls church re-gained its “fame” after the September 11th terrorist attacks. This church was the place where first responders took refuge and lived during the months that followed in the recovery. Sine 9-11 the church has become more of a picture frozen in time of what it was like in those days and months following the attacks.
We then walked over to the 9/11 memorial. The memorial itself was amazing and I think paid great tribute to all of those who lost their lives that tragic day. The two footprints which were turned into never ending waterfalls and the trees around it really where breathtaking. I was however very upset to see people selling 9/11 merchandise across the street then pocketing all the money they make instead of giving it to the families or the memorial.
Trinity Church was next on the list. To me the most interesting thing about this church was the small graveyard that was located right next to it. To most people it would be just another graveyard, but this one was the final resting place to Alexander Hamilton. After taking in all the Church had to offer we headed down Wall Street to the financial capital of the world. Here behind the mason and brick walls billions upon billions of dollars where being made and the countries financial stability was at these traders hands. We then took a quick walk through the Federal Hall building which was displaying an awesome collection of US Coast Guard paintings. Outside on the steps leading into the building was a giant statue of George Washington. This statue is placed where he stood when he gave his inauguration speech.
A short walk over to Bowling Green Park and the Native American Museum was next up. From the park you could look out over the southernmost tip of Manhattan to where the Hudson and East River split.
Finaly after all of this walking it was time for lunch!!! We took a short subway ride and walked about 2 blocks to Chelsea Market. Inside there were a lot of choices for lunch but none that particuallry stood out to me. We ended up eating at some yuppie joint where I had the most over priced B.L.A.T in the world, but I guess you can say that’s part of the New York Experience.
After refueling our tanks we took a leasurly stroll along the High Line, which is an abandoned line of train tracks that has now been turned into a beautiful park. We got off the High Line and perused some galleries. Not being a huge art fan it was hard for me to stay focused while we bounced around to about 8 galleries in total. With 6:00 came the closing time for all the galleries and fortunately but unfortunately it brought our class to an end. A large group of us walked back to Penn Station in world record speed and caught the train that was about to leave and headed on our way home.
Immigrant New York
The day started out at Essex Market down on the Lower East Side. While the class waited for Jim to meet us and give us a tour of the area I took some time to explore the market. To my surprise it was a lot different in comparison to Chelsea Market. I was expecting something similar but instead I was greeted with a more of a over sized bodega vibe. The only store inside that caught my eye was a candy store that sold Maple Syrup and Bacon Lollipops and Chocolate covered Bacon. So of course I had to buy both and $14 later I was rather upset with how bad they tasted.
Jim Arrived and we started out on our tour. We walked past the Blue Building , the Tenement Museum, and the Elridge Street Synagogue. I was hoping we would be able to take a tour inside the Tenement Museum but since it is such a popular spot we were unable to get in there. Our walk through parts of China town really disgusted me. The smell and the obvious filth that these people live and work in really bothered me and I think is what ultimately turned me and a few others off from eating the Chinese food for lunch. But……since I am such a food junkie I knew right down the road a little bit was Katzs Deli!! :D Katz’s is a world famous deli that serves the most delicious pastrami sandwiches. I have been coming to Katzs for as long as I can remember and I knew I had to cease the opportunity to come here. Although the prices of the sandwiches have gone up over the years it is still well worth it. For those of you who will make the trip make sure not to lose the ticket they give you at the front door or you are looking at a $50 fee to get out of the door.
It’s a good thing after my massive lunch we decided to walk over the Williamsburg Bridge. After the long walk over the bridge and burning all those calories we were in what I like to call “Yuppieville” This area of Brooklyn has now become part of the vastly growing hipster movement. Unfortunately due to a conflict with work I had to leave and head home early.
The day started out at Essex Market down on the Lower East Side. While the class waited for Jim to meet us and give us a tour of the area I took some time to explore the market. To my surprise it was a lot different in comparison to Chelsea Market. I was expecting something similar but instead I was greeted with a more of a over sized bodega vibe. The only store inside that caught my eye was a candy store that sold Maple Syrup and Bacon Lollipops and Chocolate covered Bacon. So of course I had to buy both and $14 later I was rather upset with how bad they tasted.
Jim Arrived and we started out on our tour. We walked past the Blue Building , the Tenement Museum, and the Elridge Street Synagogue. I was hoping we would be able to take a tour inside the Tenement Museum but since it is such a popular spot we were unable to get in there. Our walk through parts of China town really disgusted me. The smell and the obvious filth that these people live and work in really bothered me and I think is what ultimately turned me and a few others off from eating the Chinese food for lunch. But……since I am such a food junkie I knew right down the road a little bit was Katzs Deli!! :D Katz’s is a world famous deli that serves the most delicious pastrami sandwiches. I have been coming to Katzs for as long as I can remember and I knew I had to cease the opportunity to come here. Although the prices of the sandwiches have gone up over the years it is still well worth it. For those of you who will make the trip make sure not to lose the ticket they give you at the front door or you are looking at a $50 fee to get out of the door.
It’s a good thing after my massive lunch we decided to walk over the Williamsburg Bridge. After the long walk over the bridge and burning all those calories we were in what I like to call “Yuppieville” This area of Brooklyn has now become part of the vastly growing hipster movement. Unfortunately due to a conflict with work I had to leave and head home early.
Final Impression of New York
My final Impression of NYC has deferentially been changed since this class started. I can now navigate pretty much anywhere I need to in the city and I now know so much more than I did.
Once you look past all the "main attractions" the city has to offer and you can take time to look at the little hidden gems you will really appreciate the city a lot more. I am actually upset with myself for living in NY my entire life and just a 40 minute train ride away from the city that I haven't experienced half the things we did in this class. I will most certainly be making more of an effort to continue to explore the Big Apple and keep finding all the hidden gems its has to offer.
I think that everyone who can take this class should! Although you are on a tight schedule everyday Mike and Don did a wonderful job of dragging us through the city so we could see as much as possible in our short time together. The money spent on the course itself, the LIRR, Metro Cards, and meals in the end where well worth it, and I would do it all again tomorrow if I could.
My final Impression of NYC has deferentially been changed since this class started. I can now navigate pretty much anywhere I need to in the city and I now know so much more than I did.
Once you look past all the "main attractions" the city has to offer and you can take time to look at the little hidden gems you will really appreciate the city a lot more. I am actually upset with myself for living in NY my entire life and just a 40 minute train ride away from the city that I haven't experienced half the things we did in this class. I will most certainly be making more of an effort to continue to explore the Big Apple and keep finding all the hidden gems its has to offer.
I think that everyone who can take this class should! Although you are on a tight schedule everyday Mike and Don did a wonderful job of dragging us through the city so we could see as much as possible in our short time together. The money spent on the course itself, the LIRR, Metro Cards, and meals in the end where well worth it, and I would do it all again tomorrow if I could.