"West Side Charm"

Class 4 was enjoyable, and exhausting! Walking from Penn to Times Square with a camera in hand made me feel like a total tourist. How embarrassing! "Times Square is two triangles created by the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, the 'Crossroads of the World' " (BG, p.217). It's nice, but it's not a major attraction for me. In the first three decades of the 20th century, the theater district developed around Times Square. The Depression crushed Broadway, and in the decades following it, Times Square was known for "crime, drug dealing, and prostitution" (BG, p.218). The area began to improve in the early 1990's. Today, unless I'm going in for a show, I avoid this area like the plague. The pedestrian and bike lanes are great for tourists and non-drivers, but they've greatly increased the congestion and chaos in this area. While some say that the merchants love these lanes, others strongly disagree: http://gothamist.com/2011/07/14/post_blames_bike_lanes_for_bad_busi.php

2nd stop: Rockefeller Center: "a complex of commercial buildings, theaters, plazas, underground concourses, and shops developed principally during the Depression" (BG, p. 243). The buildings were constructed in art deco style. I learned from Professor Don that this ornate style was seen as the "style of the future." The construction provided 75,000 jobs and its technique envisioned the future as greatly optimistic. During the Depression, with its high rate of unemployment, optimism was precisely what New Yorkers needed to break from despair. John D. Rockefeller Jr. believed "that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; and every possession, a duty" and "in the dignity of labour, whether with head or hand, and that the world owes no man a living, but that it owes every man the opportunity to make a living" http://james4america.wordpress.com/2009/03/14/i-believe-words-from-the-great-capitalist-john-d-rockefeller-jr-valuable-premises/. My respect for the creator of this center grew ten sizes today.

The art scheme in the interior of the Rockefeller Center lobby was quite impressive. Professor Don mentioned that all of the art commissioned for Rockefeller Center was focused on the progress of man and new frontiers. My favorite of all was titled "American Progress," and painted in 1933 by Jose Maria Sert. It depicts men constructing modern America. His work is magnificent: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_G5D66uP2M

We were off to the Museum of Modern Art. "MOMA's collection of 19th and 20th century painting and sculpture is installed on the 4th and 5th floors" (BG, p.262). Here we saw works by Paul Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, de Kooning, Monet, Warhol, Pollock, Rothko, and Still. We viewed examples of Analytical Cubism , which Professor Don mentioned that Picasso played a major role in developing. I saw Picasso's Les Demoiselles d' Avignon. The caption read "the result of months of revolution and revision, this painting revolutionized the art world when first seen in Picasso's studio." Really? While I did not stand and analyze its geometrical components, I did observe the absence of feminine beauty in these figures. Their triangular shapes; acromegalic facial features, arms, and hands; and african style masks were interesting but lacking in feminine appeal. The Latin woman in me could not relate to this odd portrayal of les demoiselles.

"Between the early 1890's and the end of his life in 1926, Monet was preoccupied with several series of paintings of the pond in his garden at Giverny" (BG, p. 265). Professor Don explained Impressionism, and highlighted the reflection of plant life, natural light, and clouds on the surface of the water. Claude Monet's Water Lilies mural with its brilliant use of color, and soothing scene, put me in a place of great tranquility.


Yum Yum Thai did not disappoint! I was so hungry and very glad that everything was prepared and served quickly. The steamed dumplings were so tasty that I ordered a second serving. The Thai Fried Rice was delicious, and filling. I felt compelled to taste the Chang, a Thai beer; I liked it. I do intend to visit this place again soon.

Next Stop: HARLEM





Founded in 1658, Nieuw Haarlem attracted Dutch farmers and wealthy merchants. "In 1837 the New York and Harlem Railroad reached out along Park Avenue from City Hall to the Harlem River, opening the area for development, but simultaneously raising a barrier between the east and west sides of Harlem and creating a strip of blight where factories, squatters' shacks, and tenements quickly sprang up (BG, p.437). While eastern Harlem became home to many immigrants, western Harlem attracted middle class German-Americans. Harlem, divided by race and class, was united by Jazz. By the 1920's Harlem had become a mecca for African American musicians, artists, writers, and poets, and the Harlem Renaissance was an expression of their culture through every art form. "The Depression devastated Harlem, revealing the poverty behind the glittering exterior" (BG, p. 438). Depression-Era Harlem saw a surge in crime and violence. Overcrowded Harlem had higher levels of poverty and illness than other areas, and at the root of this was racism. "During the civil rights era of the 1950's and 1960's, Harlem was a focus of political and social activity" (BG, p.438). The heightened racial tension and social issues shaped the civil rights movement in Harlem.   http://www.pbs.org/newshour/forum/february98/harlem2.html. In the late 1990's, the northward spread of gentrification in Manhattan reached Harlem (BG). While many welcome change and see it as good for the neighborhood, some have conflicting emotions. While walking through the streets of Harlem, I did see sharp contrast in such close proximity. It's hard to imagine these two worlds peacefully coexisting.

Had I known what awaited us on the other side of Morningside Park, I would have sprinted across. Let's just say it brought new meaning to the kool aid smile. Morningside Heights is home to Riverside Church, Columbia University, Barnard College, and Riverside Park, where Ulysses S. Grant and his wife are interred. It is evidently also an area with beefcake firemen! John D. Rockefeller Jr. funded construction of Riverside Church. Built in Gothic style, it has been criticized for its aesthetic servitude to Europe and liberal appeal (BG).
http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/organizations/r/riverside_church_nyc/index.html. The church was immense, and its exterior was quite impressive. As we walked past Riverside Church, we were greeted by charming NYC Firemen. We then walked over to General Grant National Memorial. It was closed to the public, and seizing the opportunity, we took pictures with the friendly "Beefcake" firemen. This NY Experience class just gets better and better!

Last stop: Columbia University Campus
The grounds are beautiful. Constructed in Roman Classical Style, the Low Memorial Library was extraordinary. While sitting on its steps, we viewed the majestic plaza, and guessed at the tuition rates. "Columbia University, one of the oldest, wealthiest, and most respected of all North American universities, is known for its professional schools- medicine, law, business, education, journalism, and architecture- and for the School of General Studies, where adults of any age can work toward degrees" (BG, p.427). Ivy league education comes with a hefty price tag, including room and board, it's a whopping $70,124 per annum! Yikes! It makes Molloy look a whole lot better!

"Sopping Wet at the Met"

As we walked to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the skies opened up, drenching us all. Touring the Met wet, is an experience I'll never forget. While I must reiterate that I am not one for experimental and "abstract" art, I was fascinated by several exhibits. The galleries for Roman and Greek art were MAGNIFICENT! I loved all of the beautiful sculptures, and loaded my camera with dozens of their pictures. The European Sculpture Court was also outstanding! The immense windows and view of Central Park complimented this section beautifully. My favorite sculpture was Perseus with the head of Medusa. I couldn't decide which side of Perseus I liked most, so I took multiple photos from different angles. The security guard must have thought I was nuts... lol! The collection of French decorative art was also impressive."The French 18th century period rooms recreate the luxury and elegance of the reigns of Louis XV and XVI" (BG, p.337). As I walked through, I imagined myself in the Palace at Versailles. This  collection was enchanting! Although I loved many exhibits at the Met, it was the Egyptian Collection that enthralled me! In my opinion, this is the prime attraction of the museum. As we entered the gallery, we met the large sphinx who lays guarding the Temple of Dendur, an amazing gargantuan sandstone structure. I stood there captivated by it's magnificence. Standing by the reflecting pool, Erin, Jackie, and I pondered over how many tons it weighed, and what a combination of brain and braun its construction required. We then entered the gallery that housed the "art of the dead"(BG). These Egyptian artifacts brought their ancient culture to life."Ancient Egyptians provided for their future with unrivaled diligence, setting aside the favorite possessions of the deceased and artistically recreating the minutiae of their daily lives to be enjoyed beyond the grave" (BG, p.342). Their religious ritual of mummification and perceptions of life after death are greatly intriguing. The Met website includes images and provides detailed information about their collection.

http://www.metmuseum.org/explore/newegypt/htm/a_index.htm

If I had to pick a "favorite"painter I'd pick Mark Rothko. Not because I find his work extraordinary, but because the holistic nurse in me believes that color can have a profound and healing effect on human beings. Color summons energy, and Rothko's art evokes strong emotions. My least favorite painter was Lucian Freud. I'd rather not be too critical, so I will only say that his work is demented. I think Katie put it best when she said "this is what nightmares are made of!"

Our next stop was Grand Central Terminal. "The station covers three city blocks, from 42nd to 45th Sts between Vanderbilt and Madison Aves, and beneath it are electric power facilities, steam, water, sewage, and electric mains, and loops of track where trains can turn around without backing out of the station" (BG, p.229). The interior was nice, the celestial depiction on the ceiling was cool. The dining area below the main concourse was AWESOME! I had Indian food, mango juice, and a delectable Magnolia Bakery cupcake....bring on the rainstorm! We were off to the New York Public Library. Just a short walk from Grand Central, we arrived quickly. We were met by the two famous 100 year old marble lions named Patience and Fortitude.  "Called 'New York’s most lovable public sculpture' by architecture critic Paul Goldberger, the Lions have witnessed countless parades and been adorned with holly wreaths during the winter holidays and magnificent floral wreaths in springtime. They have been bedecked in top hats, graduation caps, Mets and Yankee caps, and more. They have been photographed alongside countless tourists, replicated as bookends, caricatured in cartoons, and illustrated in numerous children’s books. One even served as the hiding place for the cowardly lion in the motion picture The Wiz" http://www.nypl.org/help/about-nypl/library-lions. Just inside the main entrance,  we saw a mini lego lion. The replica was neat. With its prominent central location and majestic interior, it is easy to understand how it attracts a large number of visitors. The main reading room was packed! As I walked through, I tried very hard to not distract anyone. I found an awesome quote in-scripted over the reading room door.

"A good booke is the precious life blood of a master spirit embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life."

We stopped at St. Patrick's Cathedral after leaving the library. It is the masterpiece of Archbishop John Hughes and American architect James Renwick (1879). It is "the seat of the Roman Archdiocese of New York, a famous city landmark and a symbol of the success in New York of its immigrant Irish Catholic population" ( BG, p. 254). I have visited this beautiful cathedral on many occasions, and the feeling of peace one experiences upon entering, is unparalleled.Those who can't visit in person are able to take a virtual tour: http://www.saintpatrickscathedral.org/

Tiffany & Co on 57th Street was spectacular! "It was founded by Charles L. Tiffany (1812-1902)" (BG, p. 272). The display cases contained resplendent jewelry. I could have spent the whole day there. The girls and I were gleaming like children in a candy store. 

Our last stop was the legendary toy store, FAO Schwarz. We were greeted at the entrance by Bobby, the toy soldier. This store is designed to appeal to the kid in all of us.  With its candy store, $25k barbie foosball, and its dance on piano, indulgence and diversion were the central themes. Move over Hanks, here I come! We all had a blast!

" A Not So 'Crooklyn' side of Brooklyn "

 Day 2 was perfect for visiting Coney Island, it was a radiant sunny day with a cool breeze. While on the train, I debated on whether or not I should ride the infamous Cyclone. I also thought about how many dirty water dogs I'd eat. The Amusement Park was closed when we got there, but my lunch at Nathan's was great! As I stuffed my face, I envisioned this iconic hot dog stand in 1916 when it was founded (BG, p.492). I pictured our soldiers confined to trenches, fighting one of the bloodiest of wars, while many here caroused on the boardwalk and played in the sand. More reasons to love and appreciate our veterans! The Blue Guide indicates that the rise of the automobile, the development of air-conditioning, and the building of new parks and beaches thinned the crowds at Coney Island in the 1940's (BG, p.492). "The boardwalk has been shrinking for decades, and its future is uncertain" (BG, p.491). Apparently, the area has long been declining. I hope that Coney Island will soon be revitalized, and never seize to exist.

I was not expecting to be amazed at our next stop, the New York Transit Museum, but I enjoyed it immensely! Everything from its authentic setting to the century old pictures and train exhibit was awesome. "The New York Transit Museum Archives holds rich collections of photographs, maps, drawings, documents, and ephemera relating to New York's transportation history."http://mta.info/mta/museum/index.html#archives         I learned through the tour guide that immigrant workers began building the NYC subway system in 1900 and that tons of dynamite was used to break up the bedrock. The black and white pictures of immigrant workers mining, excavating, and pouring concrete were remarkable. A caption under one of the pictures indicated that compressed air was pumped into tunnels to keep the riverbed from collapsing on the workers during construction. Well you'd never know by looking at them smiling for the camera that they faced great danger. I am truly grateful for their struggle and sacrifice. 

I found my favorite attraction in Brooklyn Heights, destination #3. His name was Todd. He was an excellent tour guide, and a fine specimen, I mean ...work of art! I kept having to remind myself to stay focused. Todd mentioned that the Brooklyn Historical Society building was designed by George B. Post, who also designed the New York Stock Exchange. The building was completed in 1881. I liked it's layout very much, the floors were uninterrupted by columns, and the rooms and moldings were impressive. The antique tile floor was not pretty though. "The building is one of the few examples of the 19th-century genre of a combined museum and library still in existence."http://www.brooklynhistory.org/about/landmark.html
The collection of historical Brooklyn related material was interesting. Todd called our attention to the giant terra cotta portrait of Sally Maria Diggs, nicknamed Pinky. Her portrait is surrounded by poison ivy, highlighting the "contagious" essence of racism. Before Day 2,  I had not known how involved Brooklynites had been in the movement to abolish slavery. Although slavery was abolished in New York State in 1827, aiding runaway slaves was still illegal. This did not stop those who opposed slavery from providing safe houses, making Brooklyn an important part of the freedom trail, also known as the Underground Railroad. While we walked through Brooklyn Heights, it was clear that its not only rich in history. It must cost a pretty penny to own a brownstone here! Todd said that in the 1820's, Hezekiah Beers Pierrepont invested in real estate and the steam ferry that would bring wealthy New York City families across the East River and into Brooklyn Heights. Pierrepont is said to have created the first city suburb, and great prosperity is still evident here today.

 

 The Brooklyn Bridge is "the best known and most loved bridge in the city" (BG, p.464)

It took 4,000 people, 14 years, and 15 million dollars to complete the Brooklyn Bridge. Two mammoth granite towers with gothic arches were built offshore on underwater foundations, and four heavy suspension cables, secured by huge anchorages at either end, were hung over the towers (BG). "The Brooklyn Bridge spans 1,595 ft across the East River" (BG, p.464). How unfortunate for the father and son engineering team that they could not be present for the inauguration of this magnificent accomplishment. Tetanus killed the father, John A. Roebling, and son, Washington Roebling, fell victim to caisson disease. Washington's wife, Emily, relayed his detailed instructions to the engineers. It opened on MAY 25, 1883 (BG, p.466). It's elevated pedestrian path is awesome. Due to construction, tarps blocked the view of the Manhattan skyline through most of our walk, but the experience was still great. I'm thinking next time I'll bike ride across it.

WHAT A MAGNIFICENT VIEW!

"Peace Through Understanding"

    Day one was hectic! I rushed through my morning routine and raced to the Merrick Station. Seventy dollars later, I was enroute to Penn. I had planned on reading the Blue Guide, but concern and worry set in, halting my ability to focus. I wondered if I'd be able to distinguish my group among the mobs of people, and the thought of losing seven points left a knot in my stomach. Luckily, I spotted my group quickly and with little effort. We introduced ourselves and Dr. Russo asked us to call him Mike. Keeping up with Mike was no easy feat. "Like Mike, if I could be like Mike," played in my head during our speed walk. I laughed and my nerves lifted. We arrived at our first destination, Flushing Meadow Park. I visit this park yearly to celebrate Colombia's Independence Day on the 20th of July. Until today, Flushing Meadow Park was a place for watching soccer games and celebrating my heritage.

From reading the Blue Guide I learned that Fresh Meadows went from uninhabitable salt marshes to the Corona dump by the 1920's. (BG, p.947) The Blue Guide also indicates that Robert Moses is credited with converting the filth covered swamp into the grounds for the 1939-40 World's Fair. It is not my intention to undermine the role he played, but something tells me he did not dirty a finger. I am grateful, nonetheless, for the results of the group effort.

While standing in front of the Unisphere, listening to Mike, I heard a message that hit home. "The Unisphere is a symbol of interconnectedness," Mike said. From this the idea of "peace through understanding" grew. Peace through understanding, I thought to myself, would have prevented so much pain and suffering throughout the years. Had the world embraced this concept in 1964, we would not be commemorating the tenth anniversary of September 11th this weekend. Behind my shades, my eyes filled with tears. 
The Queens Museum of Art was the next stop in our excursion. Here we saw the most impressive piece of the museum's collection, the New York Panorama. The Blue Guide calls it an "unforgettable architectural model of the city,"and I do concur! Just another reason to thank Robert Moses who commissioned its construction for the 1964 World Fair. (BG, p.497)
We learned from our guide that it took 100 people and almost three years to complete, and that aerial photos were used for accuracy. Viewing these 895,000 mini individual structures constructed before 1992 was mind boggling. This awesome recreation of our NYC boroughs was most certainly my favorite attraction of all! "The Panorama was one of the most successful attractions at the ‘64 Fair with a daily average of 1,400 people taking advantage of its 9 minute simulated helicopter ride around the city." http://www.queensmuseum.org/about/aboutmission 

When Mike and Meritta mentioned that they'd be treating us to an authentic Indian lunch, my eyes grew two sizes and my heart filled with adoration for our professors. I was so hungry, and such is the power of the mind that I smelled fragrant Indian spices form the train platform. I loaded my plate with Chole, Basmati Rice, Tandoori Chicken, and Naans. Lunch at the Jackson Diner was delicious! 

My feet ached as we walked up Steinway Street. I could feel blisters forming on my pinky toes, so much for those cool converse! When we arrived at the Museum of the Moving Image, exhaustion crept in. The collection of antique film projectors and television sets was great, but I longed for a chair to sit on. My prayers were answered, I found a bean bag and sat for Jim Henson's Muppets. My favorite attraction at MOMI was Miss Piggy in her wedding gown -           C L A S S I C!  

For me, visiting P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center, was more about being in the building that housed the first NYC public school than about enjoying the "new and adventurous art." (BG, p.495) I guess I lack sophistication because the exhibit " Carved Wood in a Plastic Bag," made me laugh out loud!
A short walk from P.S. 1 we saw a different kind of adventurous art, a graffiti mecca known as Five Pointz. Some of the murals were elaborate and impressive, but a few images were raunchy. It was pretty cool to watch a group of artists at work." The name 5Pointz signifies the five boroughs coming together as one but, because of its reputation as an epicenter of the graffiti scene, the industrial complex has actually united aerosol artists from across the world." http://5ptz.com/graff/about/

Our final destination was a towering example of gentrification. I had visited this waterfront location as a kid with my aunt who used to live in Long Island City. It was entirely different than I remembered it. It has become a premiere area to live in, encroaching on what was once a community for the underprivileged. As an unaffected outsider, I can say that this community is like a jewel on Queens' crown; I'm sure many would disagree.

When I think of NYC...

When I think of New York City, awesome childhood memories resurface.  Hanging with my cousins in my beloved Washington Square Park, and jumping in the fountain on scorching summer days was an all time favorite! As I let my mind wander, I see myself sitting through Charlie’s comedy hour in the park. I laughed loudly with the crowd even when most of the jokes went right over my head. The crowd was quite diverse. It included people of all ages, and of many nationalities: tourists, NYU students, artists, models, Rastafarians, Punk Rockers, homeless men, wealthy women, gay couples, and even little Spanish speaking children from Colombia (my cousins and me..lol). It was in this park that I learned to pop a wheelie and skateboard. It was here that I’d watch and later learn to play chess and bocci.  It was also here where I’d summon up all my courage and say “no” to Rastas pushing Ses.

 As I got older and was permitted to ride the subway, I ventured beyond my park and met new people. In my teen years, Chelsea Cinemas was a big gathering place. I made many friends there.  I met kids from Fulton and Chelsea and played basketball in the projects. My brother would later explain to me the reasons why I should not frequent these places. I had not stopped to see what was beyond the basketball court, I had just focused on my game. Ray’s Pizzeria on St. Mark’s was another big hangout in the 80’s. I’d meet up with my high school friends there on weekends and talk for hours while eating the best pizza ever made! I went to Catholic School and therefore had friends from all over the city. We’d hangout in Stuyvesant Town, Central Park West, Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea, Little Italy, the Lower East Side, Chinatown, and of course my neighborhood, Greenwich Village. As a kid, I never stopped to consider all of the various communities and the differences in language and culture. This “melting pot” was my world, and in it we were all equals. When I’d buy falafels on Macdougal Street; listen to Jazz outside the Blue Note and the Village Gate; spend hours at the Italian feasts; and line up on 6^th Ave. to watch the Halloween/Gay Pride Parade, it did not register to me that I was greatly privileged to be a New Yorker.

That was then and this is now. Today I thank my lucky stars that I was raised in New York City. My childhood experiences shaped the person I am today. I am proud to say that I lack the prejudices that so many people harbor. I understand, and accept, differences in customs and cultures, and would never show apathy towards or disrespect for others. Appreciating differences is ingrained in me. I have travelled to many places and met different people, and I truly believe that there is no better place in the world than New York City.