Journal #9: My Final Thoughts on an Exceptional Class

            I consider myself very lucky to have been a part of such a phenomenal class. I learned that I do not have to sit in a classroom to obtain knowledge and that a hands-on experience is the best way to learn and learn well. Mike and Mike have taught me so much in such a small amount of time and I am so very grateful to have had them as my mentors. I thought I knew what New York City was all about, but after being in Core 390, I now know that I really had no clue. I am now educated and proficient in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan and am confident enough to speak about it to those I know and will meet in the future.

            My perception of New York City was narrow-minded and superficial before I started this class. I only thought about going to the city for a night out on the town and shopping. Mike and Mike exposed me to places I have been to but did not really know and new places I had no idea existed. I plan on going back to places like Coney Island and Harlem to really experience them. The casual approach of this learning experience forced me to go into each class with an entirely open mind. In accounting there is only so much I can learn from reading a textbook. I have to go out into the real world and test what I have learned. This is what this class did for me. My brain was challenged far more than sitting at a desk and being tested on a particular subject. I had to use all of my senses to understand the spectacular city we were experiencing. The days seemed like they were going to be long, but went by so quickly that you wished there would be more time.

            Mike and Mike showed me how much culture and diversity one city holds. The people I have met and the places I have seen will be with me forever. I hope one day I am able to bring my children to New York City and let them have the same experiences I have had. I think that everyone should explore Manhattan inside and out and I think that this course should be a requirement at Molloy. What I learned is not only important or relevant for my major, but can be used for anyone in just about any field of choice. My memories of the Gotham Experience are ones that I will cherish and never forget. I honestly cannot thank Mike and Mike enough for such an eye opening experience and wish them the very best.

Journal #8: Immigrant New York

            I woke up today and was saddened by the fact that it was our last class. I never thought I would ever be sad at the fact that class was over, but since this class has been the best class I have ever taken, I was very upset. When I arrived at Penn Station and we all arrived for the last time, I realized how many unique and different people I had met. I am shy when I am sitting in a classroom and it is hard for me to talk to my fellow classmates. Since we were all together for 8 hours every time we met, it was impossible not to talk and get close. Like always I had a positive attitude for our last adventure in New York City and knew it was going to be another exciting and knowledgeable day.if we knew why

            Our day started off on Delancey Street, at the Essex Street Market. This grand market was built in 1940. Mayor Fiorello La Guardia wanted the push cart peddlers off the streets, and this market was built for that purpose. The Essex Market offers food for all tastes: Latino, Jewish, and upscale urbanite. These urbanites include chicken gizzards, nopales (cactus stems), sherry vinegar, fish cheeks, prime cuts of beef and artisanal cheeses (BG, 123).  Walking through the market I was blown away at how big it was and all the choices of food that were available. It would take me forever to get through everything and decide what I needed.

            From there we walked down a few blocks to Allen Street where we began our two hour walking tour through Immigrant New York. Our tour guide was energetic, eager, and kind of annoying. I knew that she was passionate about what she was going to be teaching us, so I decided to play along and see what I could learn from her. She started off explaining how Robert Moses widened Allen Street and how it used to be the heart of the red line district. She then went on to say how the tenements that were built only went up to five floors and she asked  if we knew why that was. Most of us said because of the fire hazards, but she said it was because of the stairs and people did not want to walk up that far. When she was talking about how in the 1800s the streets were covered in horse manure and was knee high, I was so disgusted. She also said when horses died they would just leave it on the street. I tried to imagine what the smell must have been like. The amount of germs that were being spread around must have been ridiculous.

            We then came across the Forward Building. I was blown away at the architecture of the building. The Forward is a legendary name in American journalism and revered institution in American Jewish life. It was launched as a Yiddish-language daily newspaper on April 22, 1897. The Forward entered the din of New York’s immigrant press as a defender of trade unionism and moderate, democratic socialism. Today the building is comprised of luxury condominiums.

            Then it came time for our walk through Chinatown. “While many of Manhattan’s other ethnic enclaves are shrinking or gentrifying, Chinatown is expanding eastward beyond its original boundaries into the Lower East Side and northward into Little Italy (BG, 107). Chinatown is basically taking over the Lower East Side. It saddens me to see how small of the area that makes up Little Italy is left. Every time I go to Chinatown I feel like it gets bigger and bigger. Walking around, I saw ducks with their heads still on hanging from the windows of food stores. EW! I saw different types of fruits that I have never seen before. Everything was in Chinese, obviously, and there were many different colors and objects for the Chinese New Year. Although Chinatown is expanding and growing, it remains plagued by poverty, overcrowding, and physical deterioration. The housing and business space is largely substandard. Chinatown supports an underground economy that included sweatshop labor and the smuggling of illegal immigrants (BG, 108). We then walked over Canal Street. This is where you can get designer knockoff bags for really cheap. There are jewelry stores and elegant crystal lamp stores. There are all types of furniture stores. My parents loved going down to Canal Street to shop for the house. We purchased beautiful furniture and light fixtures there. 

            Now it was time for lunch. Mike was treating us all to Chinese food, my favorite type. I have had Chinese food from all over, but this honestly was the best Chinese food I have ever had. The chicken and rice were so delicious and melted in my mouth. I also ate something that I didn’t know what it was, but all I have to say is it tasted really good. Mike told us to try the Chinese broccoli and I’m glad I did. AMAZING! The lunch was spectacular and I thank Mike for treating us and also for broadening my horizons to all different types of food.

            After lunch it was time for our tour of the Tenement Museum. I was really looking forward to this tour and knew I would find it interesting. We were seeing what an actual tenement looked like. Tenements were built to exploit all available space and maximize the return for the landlord. These tenements were one of the many horrors of immigrant life. These tenements were not living friendly. The city passed many acts that made the landlords improve the tenements, but of course there were many loopholes (BG, 122). The Tenement Museum was founded in 1988, and is a former pre-Old Law tenement. This museum is to honor the millions who lived on the Lower East Side and in other immigrant ghettos. Its purpose is to preserve the heritage of the nation’s immigrants (BG, 122). Our tour guide Dave was great. He knew everything there was to know about these tenements and I knew from two minutes after meeting him that I was going to learn a lot.

            Dave informed us that we were getting a rare tour of the Tenement Museum. We were going to have an interactive tour where we would pretend to be an Italian Immigrant family who is visiting the tenement of the Confino family or more specifically, Victoria Confino. He also told us how we were going into the only tenement in the museum that was air conditioned. This was a relief since it was extremely humid and hot out. I was beyond excited for this. He told us to ask questions as if we didn’t know anything about the city in this time period and how we could find jobs, take baths, get clothing, and so on. When we walked through the hallway of the building, it was just like it was in 1916. We all got into character and were waiting for Dave (our English as a second language teacher) to knock on the door of the Confino’s.

            When Victoria opened the door, I could not stop laughing. It was so much fun trying to act like I was in 1916 and was an Italian Immigrant. Victoria opened the door and we walked into the apartment. Boy was it tiny! Three rooms in total; a bedroom, kitchen, and what looked like a little living area/bedroom. I couldn’t imagine my family of five trying to live there let along ten! Victoria never broke her character and I tried very hard not to either and at the same time ask questions about her life. She told us that her family of ten lived in this tiny apartment and how tough her life was. She told me that the cushion I was sitting on was the pillow of her younger brother. Six of them slept in a tiny room; one on the floor, two on the bed, one slept sitting up in a chair, another lying across two crates on the floor, and another laid across three chairs. It was amazing to see how “happy” they were to be in America, but how much sacrifice they had to make.

Victoria kept calling us “greenhorns”. Greenhorn was a term that was used when immigrants would come to America. It meant that they were different and didn’t fit in. Victoria said that each day they would wash themselves in the apartment with a basin of water and a rag. They got to shower once a week and had to pay 2 cents for five minutes. I wouldn’t be able to not shower every day and have a restricted amount of time. I guess you can call me spoiled.

This was the best tour of all time! It was so amazing to be able to feel what it was like to be an immigrant new to America and how hard it must have been to assimilate and be accepted. I learned so much from this tour and feel privileged to have been able to experience this.

This was when the class was dismissed. Mike asked if any of us wanted to go to Williamsburg, but everyone voted on going back to Penn Station to have a farewell drink. At this point I was extremely sad. We all went back to Penn Station, but Rose and I decided to head home and skip the drink. Saying goodbye to my fellow classmates was hard for me. I had met so many great and outstanding people in this class. I hope I see them around on campus and can share a common appreciation and connection of this experience we shared together. I am forever thankful that I was able to be a part of this class and can’t thank Mike enough for opening my horizons to the amazing New York City.

Journal #7: The Heart and Soul of New York City

            Surprisingly today the weather didn’t seem to be bad at all. For once since this class started, the forecast called for low to mid 80’s with little to no humidity. I thought maybe for one day I was going to be comfortable walking around. I had my positive attitude on for our last week together and couldn’t wait to go to Lower Manhattan. Even though it wasn’t going to be as hot or rainy as every other day, I knew it was still going to be a long one filled with lots and lots of walking and sweating.

            Today we were going to Lower Manhattan and our first stop was St. Paul’s Chapel and Churchyard. St Paul’s is Manhattan’s only remaining colonial church. It was built as a subsidiary chapel of Trinity Church for worshippers who lived too far uptown. St Paul’s served British officers as their house of worship while other churches became stables, prisons and hospitals during the British occupation. The chapel survived the fire of 1776, unlike Trinity church, thanks to the efforts of a bucket bandage that carried water from the Hudson River. The chapel was also used by George Washington after his inauguration at Federal Hall (BG, 77). It was so amazing to be standing in the same place where George Washington once went to church.

After the horrifying disaster of 9/11, the church served as a place of refuge for workers at Ground Zero and as a temporary memorial for visitors. These visitors attached messages and memorials to the fence of the church (BG, 77). It is amazing that this church is still standing being so close to where the Twin Towers went down. I personally didn’t know anyone who perished on 9/11, but being an American I can empathize what the families who did must have gone through and continue to go through. Upon entering the church I was shocked at how quaint and beautiful it was. The structure of the church is graced with slender Corinthian columns supporting a barrel vaulted ceiling. It is decorated with pale colors of blue, beige and brown (BG, 78). The church was decked out with artifacts and memorials from 9/11. People that lost loved ones and people supporting their fellow Americans have a place where they can show they care. I loved this. 9/11 had a tremendous impact on the American people, and St. Paul’s Church serves as a place where people can go and reminisce about loved ones they’ve lost or simply reflect on that devastating day.

We then went to the place where Occupy Wall Street was held. I have heard about this movement before but wasn’t entirely sure what they were about and was very eager to learn about it. Occupy Wall Street began on September 17, 2011. It started in Liberty Square, in Manhattan’s Financial District, and now has spread to over 100 cities in the United States.  The goal of this movement is to “fight against the power of major banks and multinational corporations over the democratic process and the role of Wall Street in creating an economic collapse that has caused the greatest recession in generations”. The uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia inspired this movement. It was crazy thinking about how this movement got so much attention in the media. The people of my generation wanted to have a voice and stand up for what they believe in. Wall Street is relatively small and gets its name from a wall that was created in 1653 that stretched from river to river. This wall went from the northern edge of the settlement and was built to protect the Dutch town from its British neighbors (BG, 64). It runs between the East River and Broadway and is about a third of a mile long. “The Street” has been synonymous with New York’s financial industry since 1903, when the New York Stock Exchange moved there (BG, 64). Since I am studying Accounting, I am thinking about Wall Street to be the perfect place for me to have a career. I can see myself walking down “The Street” being a successful accountant in this financial district.

Our next stop was Trinity Church and Churchyard. Trinity church is probably New York’s most famous place of worship due to its dramatic setting. For many years the church was the highest point in Lower Manhattan. It is “79ft wide and 166ft long; its tower, including the spire, stands 281ft above the ground”. Trinity Church was one of the first Gothic revival churches in the nation, as well as the first Gothic Revival church in the city (BG, 65). We were able to sneak a peek inside the church but a service was going on so we really couldn’t look around that much. From what I saw the church was stunning and I hope one day I get to go back and see it some more. The church is on a churchyard that is about two acres and gives the Financial District a little color. The churchyard holds many tombstones that have renowned figures such as Robert Fulton, Alexander Hamilton, William Bradford, and Captain James Lawrence (BG, 66). It was remarkable to see where all these famous deceased figures were buried.

We continued our journey and came across the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The NYSE opened in 1903 and is the world’s largest exchange in terms of dollar value. This is one reason why New York is the finest city of the capitalist world (BG, 68). Since I am an Accounting major I have learned plenty about the NYSE. It was delightful to see where all the action takes place and I hope one day I am able to work around here.

We then made our way to Federal Hall. Federal Hall is the birthplace of the American Government. Federal Hall was home to the first Congress, Supreme Court, and Executive Branches. George Washington took his oath in 1789, on the second floor balcony. The hall was renamed Federal Hall in honor of New York’s position as the nation’s capital during this time. The hall now serves as a museum dedicated to our first president and the start of the United States of America. Walking into Federal Hall I was automatically stunned by the architecture. The building is neoclassical and is all white. The columns were very detailed, and the ceilings were high and beautiful. It was amazing standing where George Washington once stood and where America was fully born.

By this time, all my thoughts of walking around feeling comfortable were gone. The sun was blazing down on us again, but at least there was no humidity. On our way to Battery Park, we passed the Customs House, where immigrants coming to America had to go while going to Ellis Island. Battery Park was once situated on a landfill, and that was surprising to me. The park is gorgeous and to think that at some point it was filled with garbage is crazy. The park is 23 acres and offers a group of monuments recalling New York’s maritime and commercial history and has spectacular views of the harbor (BG, 46). Before the development of Ellis Island, Battery Park was the immigrant depot. Immigrants coming to America would settle on the sands of this magnificent park. Being where my ancestors once were while coming to America for a better life was mind blowing. The skyline from the park is stunning with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in the background. I have been to Battery Park when I went on tours of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty and it was one of the best experiences of my life. This is the core and heart of New York City. Walking through the rest of Battery Park, I could feel the true essence and emotion that this great city holds.

We then came across the Irish Hunger Memorial. I was shocked to see a piece of Ireland in the city. This memorial is dedicated to raising public awareness of the events that led to the “Great Irish Famine and Migration” of 1845-1852. For those Americans who are from Ireland or of Irish descent, they have a place that serves as a reminder of their heritage. It also serves those who were forced to emigrate during one of the most heartbreaking tragedies in the history of the world. The Irish were one of the first immigrants to come to America and like most other immigrants were not originally welcomed with opened arms. Since they were considered  outcasts, it was interesting and outstanding to see a place that is dedicated to their heritage. The memorial looked just like Ireland. There were stone walls, and grass hills. At the top of the memorial the view of the Hudson was amazing. I felt like I was in Ireland for a split second.

A short walk down the block, we made our way to Poets House. Poets House was founded in 1985 by artist’s administrator Elizabeth Kray and poet Stanley Kuntiz. Kray wanted a place for poetry that would nurture poets and invite the public into the wildest tradition of the art. Poets House has become a national poetry library and literary center. It invites all poets and the public to step into the living tradition of poetry. Our guide told us that all the books that they have were donated to them since they are a non-for-profit organization. They have members that contribute to the house and help them stay in business. Poets House was modern and had the vibe of New York City. There were people studying or reading and writing poetry and I felt very elite and chic. Mike showed us one of the books he helped publish which was really awesome to see. I can see myself studying there for exams. It was very quiet and has a warm feeling to it. I plan on going back and seeing if I can concentrate and/or read some poetry.

Our journey then led us to Chelsea. Mike was telling us that in the fall session they walk all the way there. I thought he was going to make us walk, too, but to my surprise he led us to the subway station. Chelsea was once the home of drugs, prostitutes, and transvestites. Now it is a beautiful place which is full of modern art and culture. Just like many parts of the city, Chelsea has undergone many changes in the past decade. The western part has been transformed from an industrial neighborhood to the new SoHo of New York City. The streets now hold art galleries and chic shops (BG, 186).

Mike then led us to Chelsea Market. This market reopened in 1995, when the former Nabisco factory called it the Chelsea Market. The ground floor of this market is filled with shops offering high-quality food, wine, kitchen wares, and flowers (BG, 186). At this point Don, the artist had joined us once more for our adventure through the art galleries in Chelsea. Mike told us that we were going to be able to have lunch inside the market which meant we were going to have time to explore this grand place. I was so excited and hungry. Walking around I saw a fish market with lobster. My mouth started to water instantly and I wanted one. I decided to go for a panini instead and it was oh so very delicious. Rose and I then were walking around and came across Eleni’s Bakery. The cookies were so good that we filled up a bag to share. I was in my glory. I had a great lunch and then a great dessert. I want to go back to Chelsea Market and taste all the delicious foods that I had seen, especially the lobster.

After lunch we walked the High Line. The High Line was once a freight train line, and in 1930 it was elevated off the ground because it had become too dangerous for the residents living around here. In 1990, a local advocacy group defeated proposals for demolition and constructed a public park (BG, 188). Now the park is a way to travel along the Westside. It has food vendors and places to sit and take the sun. It is a perfect place to go an escape the city life. The High Line was the most amazing park I have seen throughout this experience. It was so cool and different because it was elevated above the ground! It was beautifully landscaped and had views to die for. Apartment buildings being built around it have now made the city of Chelsea one of the most expensive places to live in the city today.

Our last stop for the day was to go gallery hopping. I have never done this before and was kind of eager to see what it was like. Some of the art was just bizarre and didn’t look like art at all. I really did like the work of Tanya Bonakdar. I’m not entirely sure what the objects were. They somewhat looked like colored glass banded together with metal in the shape of a ball. They were suspended in the air using bungee cords. One of them was so colorful and beautiful I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. The gallery hopping was something unique and different and an experience entirely in and of itself.

I cannot believe that there is only one class left. It has gone by so quickly and I am truly saddened to have it end. I learned so much today and it could not have been any better. This is the first class I have taken in all my school years that I do not want to end. Each class experience brought something new into my life and I am forever appreciative of this great experience. 

Journal #6: East Side Part Two (Lado Oeste Parte Dos)

            From 95 degrees and thunderstorms, came along low 70’s and misty rain. The weather of this class has not been constant and has been throwing us curve balls. I was happy that it was not brutally hot today, but didn’t want it to rain. The rain had ruined our adventure through Harlem and I didn’t want it to ruin today’s adventure. I put on my raincoat and hoped for the best.

            Our day started off in East Harlem and our first stop was El Museo del Barrio. When I walked into the museum it is was small, modern and beautiful. I loved the way it was decorated and dedicated to the Hispanic culture. El Museo del Barrio is one of the city’s sharply focused museums and is outstanding and small. This museum is the only museum dedicated to Puerto Rican, Carribean, and Latin American culture. The museum was founded in 1969. It was founded by activists, teachers, and artists that were primarily Puerto Ricans. Before it found its present permanent home, it was first run from a classroom in a public school and moved from several storefronts (BG, 376). Mike told us that we were coming back to the museum to explore, but first we were going on a walking tour of Spanish Harlem.

            Our tour guide, Louis, was absolutely adorable and energetic. He was so passionate about his community and I was glad because I knew I was going to get the best experience I could with him.  He brought us to this small shop on104th Street that was opened in 1954. It is owned by a man named Jorge Vargas. Upon entering the shop I saw so many different ethnicities. Looking around there were different old fashioned remedies from different cultures that heal the sick. Jorge was telling us how much the community meant to him and how much they have contributed to him staying open for so many years. He said that with the changing neighborhood  he would have to be physically removed from his shop. I thought the shop was exactly what a community needs. Neighborhoods need the days when small shops survived off of the communities. That is what makes a community a community in itself.

            Louis then brought us to this small community garden. Upon entering the garden there was a water fountain in the shape of fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes were a little odd at first and then made tense. The fountain was showing honor to the women of the community. It was showing that women are a huge part of the community and should be acknowledged. I also thought it meant that women are the ones who bring new life into the world. The water running through the fountain was showing the new lives constantly coming into the world and becoming part of the community. I thought that the fountain was beautiful and had a deep meaning. There was a mural on the wall that was absolutely beautiful entitled “Soldaderas”. It was bright and full of life. The two women being portrayed in the mural are Frida Kahlo and Julia Burgos. Julia de Burgos was a poet from Puerto Rico. She was a nationalist and an activist for women’s rights. She was destined to be one of the greatest poets in the Americas. The mural was showing what the two women stood for and their struggles as women. They both shared a love for their culture, their people and country. They used art as a force for change. Julia and Frida holding hands symbolized two communities can come together in struggle aspiration, and in history. The painting was very moving and expressed the importance women have in the community and how struggle leads to greatness.

            As we kept walking we came across many works by Manny Vega. Louis was telling us that the work by Manny Vega is all around East Harlem.  The one painting on the side of the building was amazing. It showed real people throughout the community living their day to day lives. Louis told us that the people that were being portrayed were actually people that lived in the community. Vega would take a picture of them and then paint them on the wall. The painting captivated the entire community-all parts of it-and it was truly moving to see. We then saw a dove piece by Vega. Louis was saying that people in the neighborhood could go and draw doves on the wall. They were becoming part of the artwork and the community was coming together as one. People are able to contribute what they have to the community and what they represent.

            Louis then brought us into an art gallery. I wasn’t sure what this gallery held and when I walked in I was in shock. There were pictures of drug deals and parents with their children showing them what guns were. People had tattoos and looks of hurt and hostility on their faces. It is amazing to know that this goes on in the world. Louis then narrated for us one of his own poems. It was beautiful. The feeling and passion he had in his voice while talking and saying each word was moving. Our last stop on the tour was the graffiti wall of fame. This park was started by Stingray who started it to provide street artists with a place to display their skills. The walls at some point were the canvases of some the greatest hip-hop graffiti artists of all time. During the early years, the park was for subway graffiti artists that came from all five boroughs and in time the hip-hop style spread around the world. Artists from all around the world come to East Harlem and hope to get a spot on the wall where they can express and portray themselves the way they want to. We all said our goodbyes to Louis and then it was time for lunch.

            At this point it had started to downpour rain and I was so upset because I knew it was going to ruin the rest of our day. A few classmates and I decided on Mexican. I love Mexican food and was super excited for it. The portions were big and reasonably priced. For $8.00 I received a burrito that was so huge I couldn’t finish it. Everything was made perfectly and tasted delicious. We all agreed that we made a good decision and left full and satisfied.

            We then made our way back to El Museo del Barrio to look at the exhibit. The museum had so many different types of art and it was interesting to see the different types of art that was being showcased. The museum’s collection includes pre-Colombian artifacts and  traditional Caribbean and Latin American arts. It also holds 20^th century prints, drawings, paintings, sculptures and installations, photography, documentary films, and videos (BG, 377). Walking around, I was honestly amazed. The exhibit was called Caribbean: Crossroads of the World. This exhibit offers an unprecedented opportunity to explore the diverse and impactful cultural history of the Caribbean basin. There are more than 500 works of art spanning four centuries which clarify changing aesthetics and ideologies.  They incite meaningful conversations about topics ranging from commerce and cultural diffusion to politics and pop culture. One painting that really caught my attention was La Mulata Cartagerna. It was a painting of a Colombian woman. It was bright and full of life. I stood in front of this painting and was blown away. It was beautiful and I was impressed by this museum very much.

Unfortunately it started to rain so we were unable to go to Morningside Heights and take our tour like we were supposed to do last class. I was so upset that the weather was not on our side at all today. Mike took a vote on what we wanted to do and the majority voted on going to see Annie Hall. Mike gave us a little synopsis and it seemed to be interesting. On our way to the subway we took a walk through Central Park. It was still raining but I was still pumped to be walking through the famous Conservatory Gardens. The Conservatory Garden is the park/s only formal garden and is six acres. It is named for an elaborate greenhouse torn down in 1934 during the Depression at a cost-cutting measure (BG, 297).The Conservatory Garden is an “officially designated Quiet Zone and offers a calm and colorful setting for a leisurely stroll and intimate wedding, or an escape with a good book”. The park is split up into 3 smaller gardens and each one has its own individual styles that include French, Italian, and English. The park was beautiful even in the rain and we continued our walk through Central Park until we reached the exit for the subway.

We eventually made it to the Film Forum, not too far from Canal Street, to see Annie Hall. The movie theatre was an old fashioned movie theatre and held a lot of character. The director of “Annie Hall” was none other than Woody Allen. I think I saw one Woody Allen film but I honestly cannot remember the name or what it was about. Woody Allen broke out into show business at the age of 15 writing jokes for a local paper. He then started doing his own stand-up comedy and then broke out into show business. His writing debut was the screenplay for “What’s New Pussy Cat?” starring Warren Beatty and his directorial debut was “What’s Up, Tiger Lilly?” Allen is known best for his romantic comedies “Annie Hall” and “Manhattan”. Woody Allen is one of the best film directors of all time and after seeing “Annie Hall”, I can see why.

The actual theatre was narrow and the screen was very small. The seats were smaller than what I’m used to, but it was something I wouldn’t be able to say I did if I hadn’t taken this class. “Annie Hall”, starring Diane Keaton and Woody Allen was sensational. It had the best mix of comedy and romance. I fell in love with. Annie (Keaton) who is ditsy and clumsy and has the ambitious dream of becoming a singer, while Alvy (Allen), is sarcastic, obsesses over death, and has cynical views on the world and people around him. The two could not have been more opposite, and yet they could not ignore the connection they had between them. The film was just about their romantic rollercoaster and their past relationships. Allen’s humor was hidden in the script. He has a dry sense of humor so that you have to pay attention or you will miss it. Throughout the film, Woody Allen would come out of the screen and put his input on whatever situation was going on at the moment. He is absolutely hilarious. At some points throughout the movie I could not stop laughing. The movie showed the wonderful city that we have been experiencing in class. It was nice to see how much the city has changed but at the same time has stayed the same. I really enjoyed the movie and will definitely watch it again and want to watch some of his other ones as well.

Even though the weather was absolutely awful today, again, I had a blast. I learned so much today that I would have never have learned. The tour of Harlem was so much fun and very informative. I plan on going back to Harlem and experiencing it through and through since the rain altered it. I am also grateful that Mike took us to see “Annie Hall”. It was a fantastic movie and I am very grateful. We only have two classes left and I am starting to get a little sad. I have learned and experienced so much and a part of me does not want the class to end. Next week I intend on putting on my best attitude and enjoying the rest of this experience that is left.          

Journal #5: The Wonderful West Side

            Walking out of my house today I was taken back by the humidity. It was 95 degrees and almost unbearable to breathe. The forecast said a chance of rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon and I was sort of excited for that. We all needed some relief from the sun beating on us all day long. Upon arriving at Penn Station I learned that Mike brought along Don again for our adventure to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but our day was going to start off by walking through Times Square.

            Our walk to Times Square was brutal and tiring. I felt like it was the end of the day when it had only just begun. I tried to keep an optimistic attitude because I wanted to enjoy what the rest of the day held. Times Square was known as Longacre Square before 1904. It was occupied by horse exchanges, carriage factories, stables and blacksmith’s shops. Thankfully in 1904 a publisher from The New York Times was able to change the name to Times Square (BG, 217). I don’t think that Times Square would be as popular or as lavish as it is if it was named Longacre Square. The name is just silly! Now, on Broadway, there is an area that is closed off from traffic, called a pedestrian zone. A pedestrian zone simply is a place where cars are not allowed to drive through and people can go and take a load off. All day long you can see people eating, drinking coffee and chit chatting. The pedestrian zone has cut done on accidents and traffic and has increased  the use of taxis. There is more room for people to walk leisurely and not be hassled by the crazy driving. This pedestrian zone is helping NYC be up to par with other countries that already have places like this for the public to go. Times Square is one of the most popular places to go in NYC, and this pedestrian zone is friendly to the residents of the city and its visitors.

When we walked into the GE Building, I was just happy to be in a cool place. I have been in the GE Building many of times, but mostly at Christmas time. The GE Building, formerly the RCA Building, was the first building constructed at Rockefeller Center and is still the most famous. This famous iconic building houses major tenants, which include General Electric and NBC Studios (BG, 248). I have been lucky enough to have been on a tour of NBC Studios. I was able to see where Saturday Night Live, America’s Got Talent, and Dr. Oz are filmed.

Rockefeller Center consists of commercial buildings, theaters, plazas, underground concourses and shops. These were all developed during the Great Depression and have become the world’s largest privately-owned business and entertainment center (BG, 243) When I think of Rockefeller Center I think of Christmas and the New Years Eve ball. In 1904, a publisher from the New York Times started the grand festivities that we still celebrate today. With the celebration of the new paper, The New York Times, also came along a New Year. He decided to celebrate by having an all-day festival and fireworks, but the fireworks were banned two years later. He then came up with the idea to lower a wooden ball illuminated with 100 25-watt light balls (BG, 221). The ball today is now encrusted with crystals and has become one of the most enchanting sights to see and experience. New Years in the Big Apple would not be the same without this ball and the people of the city would not be able to see such a magical wonder.

After Rockefeller Center, our next stop was the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the MoMA. I have been to the lobby of the MoMA once with my family, but the line was too long so we ended up not entering the museum. I was excited to see what this museum houses. The MoMA is one of the city’s premier cultural institutions. It is one of the great repositories not only of modern painting and sculpture, but also of drawing, design, photography, and film (BG, 260). The museum was very white and very clean. It looked like the house of a perfectionist. We saw work of Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gough. I really liked the work of the American artists, Robert Rauschenberg, and Jasper Johns. The Target with Four Faces by Johns I took a liking to. It looks like a typical target, but the way Johns built up the surface with wax encaustic, made the painting seem real. Don was very informative on how Johns painted his work. He continued to tell us that the encaustic paint that John used was a mix of molted wax, and pigment that created the lumpy surface. The flag also had the same affect. The way it was painted on top of real objects, made the painting become alive. It was amazing to see how something that was supposed to be a painting somehow became a real object. Rauschenberg’s work, Bed, was by far the most amazing thing I had ever seen in an art museum. It actually looked like a real bed. This piece of art was combined with many different objects. There is a sheet, a quilt and a used pillow all mounted and framed together. Just like John’s, this piece was a real and tangible object. If I was allowed to touch it, it would have feeling and body to it. I am so thrilled that I was exposed to such amazing art and am truly thankful to now have the knowledge that I do about it.

Then it was time for lunch. I was so hungry I thought I was going to pass out. Mike told us that we were having Thai food and I was pumped. I love Thai food and couldn’t wait to eat. We went to this restaurant called YUM YUM. It was absolutely delicious and everything tasted scrumptious. It was also Ashley’s birthday and Mike was nice enough to tell the restaurant and we were able to sing to her. Mike told us that it was the worst rendition of happy birthday he had ever heard. HAHA! No one told him that it was going to be American Idol status! All in all it was a good and entertaining lunch.

After lunch it looked like it was going to pour! YES! We jumped on the subway and made our way up to Harlem. I have to say I wasn’t too excited about this. When I think of Harlem I think of crime and violence. I don’t ever think about how Harlem houses the prestigious Colombia University or the Apollo Theatre. I was going to keep an open mind though and see what Harlem had to give me. In 1658, the Dutch were attracted to Harlem for its fertile soil and the strategic advantages it had to offer. This land attracted gentlemen farmers and wealthy merchants who developed estates and built country mansions in the 18^th and 19^th centuries (BG, 437). Harlem is being exposed to gentrification. The population is increasing and so are property values. The buildup of brownstones is making Harlem more modernized (BG, 438). When I got off the subway I was shocked. The image I had of Harlem was not what I was seeing before my eyes. It was a new and exciting place that I had never been to before. My attitude had gone from reluctant and cautious, to curious. Unfortunately, it started to downpour rain and thunderstorm. Mike told us that we were not going to be able to go on our tour of Harlem and Morningside Heights. I was very disappointed, after opening my mind to experience Harlem and what it had in store for me. I hope that we have time to revisit Harlem and experience it the way we were supposed to. If not, I am going to make it a goal of mine to go back and visit on my own.

Although the weather got in the way of us going to see Harlem today, it was another exciting and knowledgeable day for me. I was able to learn something about the GE Building, about the history of Times Square and Rockefeller Center. I was exposed to new and interesting art and was even able to get a little taste of Harlem. The weather may have brought us down today, but I know next class I am not going to let it!