The Enchanting Eastside equaled WET!

When I checked the weather the night before class it stated rain throughout the day. I also checked our class’ website and we were informed to come prepared for the weather. I was a little bummed; I thought maybe class will be rescheduled even though I read before that class will continue rain, sun, or snow. Anyways, so off I went headed to the train station bound for Penn. As usual we met in the same spot and like last class we were joined by the freshmens. Instead of leaving at 11:05 we were running a bit late after Mike had to address both classes on the day’s schedule.

Our class today took us to the East side of the city. First stop the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, generally called the Met, is the largest, most comprehensive art, museum in the world. The building occupies 1.5 million square feet and its collections include more than two million objects. Whose range includes the whole world and the entire sweep of human civilization (BG, 326). When we got off at 86^th street and came up from the subway it was raining cats and dogs. We had to walk to 82^nd street to get to The Met. By the time we arrived, even though we had umbrellas we were all drenched from our knees down. Walking in from the pouring rain into the Met were the AC was kicking we all froze. We gathered and followed the professor to the museum’s modern art section. He told us about the art work and the artists. Some of the art pieces I did not understand and some of them were really cool. As we went from room to room we came across a certain artist. Pollock, he was an influential American painter. His art work was weird and looked like anyone could do it. I found out from the professor though that it’s hard to replicate because he had his class try it once. After here we strolled off on our own and tried to keep moving to stay warm in the freezing Met museum.

When we got back to our designated meeting time and place, plans had changed for the remaining of the day. Mike thought we would have breaks in the clouds and would be able to hike through Central Park and break for lunch. That obviously didn’t happen and the rains kept coming down with no signs of stopping. We headed out into the rain back to Grand Central terminal. Upon our arrival here we would break for lunch. Here we could have anything our taste buds desired. A few of us headed for pizza which was by the way very appetizing. We met back at our designated area in the main hall by the information desk. Grand Central Terminal stands proudly athwart Park Avenue at 42^nd street (BG, 228). Grand Central remains one of the world’s great railroad stations, and an enduring symbol of the city. The station covers three city blocks from 42^nd to 45^th streets between Vanderbilt and Madison avenues (BG, 229). We learned that Penn station once looked like Grand Central. They would have torn down Grand Central also but Jackie Kennedy saved it.

From here we headed towards the New York Public Library. This was supposed to be our last stop but due to the weather a few items got switched around. The building generally known simply as “the New York Public Library” stands on the west side of Fifth Ave between 40^th and 42^nd street. It is officially the Humanities and Social Sciences Library of the New York Public Library, one of it’s four major research facilities, world famous for its collections and much admired for the architecture of its building (1911; Carrere & Hastings) (BG, 207). The building sits on a wide terrace running the length of the Fifth Ave façade. The steps, which have long attracted tourists, pigeons, footsore shoppers, and office workers at lunch, are flanked by two famous marble lions by Edward C. Potter. Originally criticized as mealy-mouthed, complacent creatures, they seemed undeserving of the nicknames Mayor Fiorello La Guardia would later give them – Patience (south side) and Fortitude (north side) – virtues the mayor thought important for New Yorkers struggling economically during the Depression (BG, 208). We went up to the Main Reading Room of the library where we rested for a bit and sat quietly.

Last part of our tour took us through fabulous Fifth Ave, one of the most lavishing, luxurious shopping streets in the world. We paused for a bit at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, a famous city landmark and a symbol of the success in New York. Designed by James Renwick, it draws on the decorated Gothic style of the 13^th century. It is the largest Catholic cathedral in the U.S. and the 11^th largest in the world (BG, 254). We then worked our way down pass the Fred F. French Building, one of the city’s first skyscrapers and then on to Tiffany & Co. Tiffany & CO. is one of the world’s renowned jewelers. It was founded by Charles L. Tiffany, father of Louis Comfort Tiffany, the famous designer of stained glass, jewelry, enamels, and interiors (BG, 272). We ended our dreary day at F.A.O Schwartz. Here we were brought back to our childhood with all the stuffed animals and candy. All of those toys were way over priced but then again it was located on Fifth Ave.

We headed back to the train station from here. We got back to Penn rather early and I was happy to know after being soaking wet all day and freezing I didn’t have to wait long for my train home. As I sat there on my way home and reflected back on my miserable day I started dozing off to sleep and was tired from our wet yet eventful day. What a day? Cold and Wet! 

Beautiful Brooklyn!

            When I woke up this morning, I was miserable. I thought it would be a long, dreary, cold day even though the sun was up and shining but the temperature had dropped a little. I headed for my train bound for Penn Station. We met at our usual time and spot. By now everyone got to know each other a lot better and carried longer conversations and kept each other company until the professors arrived. Mike made sure everyone was there, he took attendance, explained the days itinerary and then we were off. We knew this would be a long day like our first class and to start off this long exciting day was a long, relaxing train ride on the F line.

            Our first stop, Coney Island! Now I’ve been to Coney Island many times but never knew the history behind it. I was curious to find out all about this place I’ve visited on so many occasions. Coney Island was settled by the Dutch, who named it Konijn Eiland after the rabbits they found there (BG, 492). It started with the Coney Island Hotel, but its history really began when the three spectacular amusement parks opened up: Steeplechase Park (1897), Luna Park (1903), and Dreamland (1904) (BG, 492). Coney Island was once an island but was later joined to the mainland by landfill, so it is no longer an island but now a peninsula (BG, 492). Coney Island was once an important amusement and recreational area for New York during the 1920s and 30s. What was once such an upbeat, populated area, have now fallen on hard times in recent years. Many of the amusements have been sold off or torn down, leaving empty buildings and vacant lots. Urban renewal programs filled Coney Island’s massive housing projects with the elderly, blacks, and Latinos (BG, 492). Despite the fact that the amusements have been torn down and sold off, three classic rides have been landmarked and cannot be destroyed: the Parachute Jump (which I learned was part of the 1939 World’s Fair), the Cyclone roller coaster, and the Wonder Wheel (BG, 492).

            When we arrived in Coney Island we were suppose to go into an exhibition center to learn more history about the place but it was closed. Also we were not able to experience the thrill of Luna Park or the Cyclone. We did have an hour or so to venture off on our own and explore the area. The majority of us were hungry so we all went off in different directions in search of food. Not too many places were open because school is now in session so a lot of the shops were closed. A few of us headed down the boardwalk to Nathan’s Famous, the iconic hot dog stand founded in 1916 (BG, 492). For the most part we enjoyed our lunch, we were not too happy about the annoying seagulls that kept coming around looking for food. After lunch we started on our way back to meet up with everyone. It was such a relaxing experience on the boardwalk. It was not crowded and loud; the few people that were there came out for their morning jog. We walked on the empty beach in the sand and took in the beautiful view.

            After we all met back at the starting point we were then back on the F train off again working our way back to the city stopping of at Brooklyn Heights to explore the Transit Museum. The Transit Museum is a two-level subterranean museum, located in an unused subway station. Run by the Metropolitan Transit Authority, it includes exhibits on buses, bridges, and tunnels, but the emphasis is on the subway. Lined up on the tracks of the former Court St station are examples of most of the subway cars that have traveled the tracks since the first line opened in 1904 (BG, 468). These subway cars were antiques. They looked uncomfortable; some of the seats were made from the material of wicker baskets. Some trains didn’t have any poles to hold on to only straphangers, others had a lot more room to move around and stretch your legs. The trains’ way back then didn’t have air conditioners so some of the trains had fans attached to the ceiling. Because of our public transportation, in particular our subways, has helped in transforming New York to be the world-class city that it is.

            Next we visited the Brooklyn Historical Society where we took a tour to get a sense of the importance of Brooklyn in the history of New York. Brooklyn occupies the western tip of Long Island and is bounded by the East River, the Narrows, and Upper New York Bay on the west and north, by the Atlantic Ocean on the south, and the borough of Queens on the east (BG, 461). We took a speed walking tour around this area and learned of its founders and how the area came to be the first historic district.

            Our last item on the itinerary was the treacherous walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. By this time we were all exhausted. I knew myself for one kept second-guessing myself as to whether or not I can walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York’s great landmarks, certainly the best known and most loved bridge in the city. The view from the bridge is spectacular, day or night, up to the cables or down to the river (BG, 464). We started off on the pedestrian path headed towards the city. We decide to time ourselves to see how long it would take us to cross the bridge. We made it over in half an hour.
        A few of us kept looking at our watch because we knew if we didn’t make it over the bridge in time to get on the train back to Penn station we would be waiting for a long time for the next train. As soon as we made it over we didn’t stop to wait for the rest of our classmates, we said our goodbyes to Mike and Meritta and jetted straight for the train station. After walking all day we found the extra energy to speed walk through the busy streets of New York City. We bolted pass everyone and ran into Penn station with a little more than five minutes to catch our trains. What an exhausting day. This day was more tiring than the first. As I sat on the train and looked back on how my day had turned out I was especially proud and very excited to say I walked over the Brooklyn Bridge. Beautiful!

Queens -- The Melting Pot!

 

First day of class and I was up by 7:30 am all excited and nervous. I checked and double checked to make sure I had everything I would need for the day. When I arrived at Penn Station my heart was racing. I walked to where would be our meeting place and constantly kept looking at my time to see if I would be late, I did not want to get left behind. I looked around to see if I notice any familiar faces. I was so excited when I saw a face I knew and then my heart rate went back to normal as we waited for everything to get settled. Mike took attendance and explained our agenda for the day.

As we started on our journey towards the mythic #7 train, the famous 7 subway line which is nicknamed the “International Express” due to the fact that it traverses through so many different ethical communities (BG, 493). So we were headed to Citi Field to Flushing Meadow Park which was once all salt marshes (BG, 497). I was excited and couldn’t wait to head to the Unisphere. I saw it many times in movies but to actually witness it in person was amazing. And because it was the same time as the U.S. Opening the fountains around it was on so it looked even more marvelous. It was very interesting to learn that the Unisphere was a symbol of the 1964 World’s Fair. The Unisphere is 700.000 lbs of stainless steel, 12 stories high and 120 ft in diameter (BG, 497). From here we then proceeded to the Queens Museum of Art which now occupies the former New York City building built for the city’s exhibition in the 1939-40 World’s Fairs and was then later used by the United Nations General Assembly (BG, 497). Here we examined the Panorama which is an unforgettable architectural model of the city, commissioned by Robert Moses for the 1964 World’s Fair and updated in 1992. It contains 895,000 buildings – every building constructed before 1992 in each of the five boroughs (BG, 498). Next we visited the Watershed Exhibit. Our tour guide explained that it was originally prepared for the 1939 World’s Fair but because of limited space in the New York City Pavilion it was never displayed and hidden away. It was restored and is now on display at the Queens Museum of Art. It traces the City’s water supply system from the outermost, upstream tributaries to sea level at the Nassau County line.

After we left the museum we walked a few blocks and talked a little about what we saw and how we enjoyed it. We then hopped on the train headed for Jackson Heights to Jackson’s diner. We were having a buffet style lunch at this East Indian restaurant. I sort of already knew what to expect because my ancestors are from India. But the food spices and taste varies a little because I’m West Indian from Trinidad in the Caribbean. Our spices give the food a different taste from East Indian food. Some of the food was very similar so I enjoyed it very much and went back for seconds.

After such an enjoyable lunch, we headed further west to Astoria a place outside of Greece with the largest number of people of Greek heritage. Astoria today has seen an outburst of immigrants from all over the world. With a short walk down Steinway Street, it took us to the Museum of Moving Images where we were introduced to Astoria as being the center of the film making industry. The Museum of Moving Image is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Queens (BG, 499). By the time we got to this point I was so exhausted and worn out. I walked around and looked at a few things but didn’t really take any pictures here. I just didn’t have any more energy. The one section that caught my attention though was Jim Henson. I sat down on the bean bag and just looked up at the screen. It reminded me of my child like days. I had no idea he had anything to do with Sesame Street, my favorite show as a child. I also learned that Kermit the Frog from the Muppets Show was his first Muppet. I was taken back and just enjoyed every moment while I relaxed and unwind for our next adventure.

Before I knew it, we were off again, back on the train headed to yet another part of Queens, Long Island City. We trudged on towards M.O.M.A P.S. 1 where we viewed wild contemporary art. MOMA PS1 was once a school, hence PS1. It was an abandoned building that is now one of the oldest largest nonprofit contemporary art institutions (ps1.org). It was used as studio, performance, and exhibition space, in support of artists from around the world. I never knew this existed. After here we took a short walk 5Pointz, an outdoor exhibit devoted to graffiti. When I first laid eyes on this place I was in awe. It looked straight out the ghetto like the graffiti paintings I see on buildings when I travel by train, but much more upscale. These artists did such an amazing job expressing their individuality. I was hoping to see some artists when we got there but that didn’t happen. The colors used were so vibrant and popped out at you. It wasn’t what I expected. Our last stop was Gantry Plaza State Park. Here we got a look at how the Queens waterfront has opened up in Long Island City and transformed previous industrial space into flourishing public parks with a remarkable view of Manhattan. We learned that we were at the very tip of Long Island. Also we saw enormous gantries that have been preserved from the city’s former days.

At the end of our tour I was overly exhausted. I reflected back on the full day and felt accomplished. I couldn’t believe we covered all that ground in just one day. I couldn’t wait to get back into Penn Station and head home. I just wanted to get home, shower and take a load off because it was such a hot, sticky beautiful day. What a way to end our exciting, eventful day. Amazing!!

 

 

NYC -- The Big Apple!

 Hmmmm…..What comes to mind when I think or hear the words New York City? I think of busy streets, flashing lights, buildings that seem to touch the sky, and lots of noise. I think New York City is one of the most exciting cities in the world; it’s the place where everything happens. It’s the city that never sleeps. NYC has it all from Amusement Parks to Zoos, a big mixing pot with a variety of cultures and religions. The biggest false impression most people make is thinking that by going right to 42nd street and Time Square they are experiencing the city. Wrong! NYC has so much history and sights to offer. It’s also the place many people come to for an opportunity to make their dreams come true.

   NYC is made up of a very diverse population. I am very grateful for this because I love food and there are massive amounts of restaurants for me to choose from. Since I am West Indian and my ancestors are from East India, there are many places I can find this type of food in any of the five boroughs and Long Island. I love to try the different varieties from Italian to Spanish to the best Chinese food in NYC. I can eat something different everyday for months. NYC also offers lots of shopping. The fashion that NYC bestows is world class. Just window-shopping through the fashion district alone you see all the different styles for the present season from all around the world. NYC was the start of fashion week and now its present worldwide. Some of these fanatical fashions that are portrayed on the mannequins make some of us wonder, “who on this planet would ever wear some of these things?”

   With all that this beautiful city has to offer, I can’t wait to take this class to experience some of it. I know we can’t fit it all in in just 7 weeks but I am very excited. I lived in Queens for many years and have yet to experience all it has to offer. When I think of going into Brooklyn all I can see is what the TV portrays. I am looking forward to seeing what the borough of Brooklyn really has to present. NYC is a very fast pace environment. To some NYC is home, to me NYC is home. I am really looking forward to being educated with hands on experience in the upcoming weeks and so grateful I will not have to learn it all from reading books.