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.
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