My Final Refelction

    I'm a bit sad that the funnest class I have ever taken at Molloy is over! Fridays will never be the same. I have so many good memories of the seven weeks we spent exploring New York City. At first I saw NYC as a tourist attraction, and I didn't quite understand why it was so poplar. As we began our adventures, I realized that almost every street in New York has a bit of history behind it! You can find museums everywhere! The first museum we visited was the Queens Museum, it is located in Flushing, where I live, and I had no idea that this museum even existed. This class was definitely an eye opener, and it made ma realize that I'm lucky to live in a city that has so much history, and so many places where I can go learn about it! Everyday was a new learning experience, and I never went home without knowing some cool fun facts!

   One  of my favorite classes was the Brooklyn class, because we visited Coney Island! I felt like a kid again, and it was such a good experience to be able to visit the one and only Coney. A couple of my favorite museums we visited was the Museum of the Moving Image, the Transit Museum, and the Tenement Museum. Each of these museums had so much information presented in such a fun way to learn. I loved playing around with stuff at the Museum of the Moving Image, sitting inside the trains in the Transit Museum, and being in an actual tenement at the Tenement Museum. Each day was such a great learning experience, and I had an amazing time learning about the lovely places we were lucky enough to visit.  Each museum was different, and contained completely new information pertaining to the history of New York City.

   Another thing I enjoyed about this class was the amount of art we were exposed to. My favorite art museum we visited was the MoMa. I loved looking at the different types of art, and learning about the artist. We explored minimalistic art, abstract art, and pop art. I loved minimalistic art because it says a lot with basically nothing. Pop art was another one of my favorites, with all the colors and repeating patterns. Seeing art by widely recognized artist such as Picasso, Van Gouh, and Pollock was something I also loved at the MoMa. I enjoyed doing something I have never done before : gallery hopping. We definitely were exposed to types of art we have never seen before. I enjoyed having my mind opened and being able to look at works of art that I would never see any where else. I loved all the art were exposed too, and I am looking forward to returning with my family and Friends and having them exposed to an important factor in NYC culture: the art.

     All through out the seven weeks we learned abut one important factor that is changing the face of NYC: gentrification. We learned that it has already affected a lot of places, such as Chelsea and williamsburg, and it still occurring slowly in other locations, such as in Harlem. We visited places in which you can see one side of the block is gentrified with fancy condos and coffee shops, and the other side still has not been affected by it. One of my favorite things about this class was the variety of food we were able to try! I loved the Indian food, the Thai food, and the Chinese food. The food was delicious, and I plan on coming back to these places! I have learned to appreciate New York City much more than just a tourist attraction, but as a place filled with history, wonderful cultures, and amazing places to eat in! Overall I had an amazing experience, nothing like I have experienced before at Molloy, and I am glad I learned everything I did about the beautiful city I live in. Thank you Mike & Meritta for the lovely seven weeks!

An Immigration Nation

   Our last class has arrived, and it feels like just yesterday we were in Queens! We hoped on the F train, and arrived at Delancy Street. Our first stop of the day was the Essex Street Market, and Mike informed us that before this market people would sell their products on the street! Built in 1940 to house pushcart peddlers whom Mayor Fiorello La Guardia legislated off the streets, the market offers food for all tastes- Latino, Jewish, and upscale urbanite: Chicken gizzards, nopales, sherry vinegar, fish checks, prime cuts of beef, and artisanal cheeses (BG, p123). The market is quite culturally diverse, and I couldn't help look at their restaurants menu, which included hamburgers in doughnut buns! I have to admit just looking at the exotic foods in this market made my adventurous taste buds hungry!

   Our next stop of the day was the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, founded in 1988 to preserve the heritage of the nation's immigrants, honoring the millions who lived on the Lower East Side and in other immigrant ghettos (BG, p122). Five apartments in this six-story Italianate brownstone have been restored to their 19th century appearance (BG, p122). We arrived to the museum a bit early because of the rain tyring to ruin our parade! We met up with our tour guide, and she walked us over to the tenements we were going to be visiting. She began our discussion by telling us the hardships millions of Irish immigrants had to live through in these tenements. They were built to exploit all available space and maximize the return for the landlord, and were one of the horrors of immigrant life (BG, p122). She told us about the stereotype the immigrants received, and the prejudice they encountered when it came to finding a job. When we entered the tenement, the walls looked ripped and torn and covered in what seemed 100 layers of wall paper. She explained to us that the landlords would not spend money removing old wallpaper, so they would cover over it making the wall look decent enough. The first room contained artifacts that were found, such as a bottle of shampoo, a lice comb, and a toothbrush. She passed around pictures that showed us the fact that Irish immigrants where portrayed as savage animals. We moved on to the second room, where we sat down and were directed to a screen in the front. Our guide began telling us about how the Irish felt about America before and after they came. She played songs that varied in mood, from happy at first, to disappointed afterwards. The song that impacted me the most was about an Irish man who was happy to be in New York, and as he began searching for jobs he realized each add ended with No Irish Need Apply. This must have been quite upsetting for the Irish people who were just trying to better themselves with jobs, however their anger only contributed to the stereotype of them being savage animals. We continued onto the third room, which was the apartment of the Moore Family. We came into the kitchen, and our tour began telling us about the milk produced at that time, and how it contained harmful ingredients that eventually led to the death of the baby Agnes Moore. She explained how swill milk was the only thing these Irish families could afford, and they were actually aware of the horrible milk they were being sold. We proceeded to the fourth and final room, where the replicated wake of Agnes would have been held. As we walked in our guide turned on music, which was a type of song a mourning mom would sing if her child died. The room gave me the spooks, because it seemed so real! There was a coffin, a cross on the coffin, the mirrors were covered, the mirrors were open, and there were hats on the chairs! These were all typical rituals and beliefs the Irish had when it came to mourning a loved family member. I really enjoyed this tour, it was nothing like I have ever experienced before. It felt like I was living with these poor immigrants and suffering right there with them. 

 

   After our quite educational time spent at the Tenement Museum, we headed for lunch at Congee Village. The food was delicious! I loved the bok choy, Chinese broccoli, garlic chicken, and of course some green tea! Me and my Friends devoured the food, and were happy campers. We decided to go for some bubble tea, and even brought some for Meritta and Mike to try! After we finished our delicious lunch we met up with our tour guide who seemed excited to start the tour! 

    Our tour began with some fun facts, our guide informed us that 8 to 12 percent of the US population is foreign born, and in NYC about 36 percent of the population is actually foreign born. He told us the the three most immigrating countries are Dominican Republic, China, and Jamaica. We began in China Town, which grew slowly at first, and due to the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 the Chinese population grew significantly (BG, p108). Our guide informed us that Chinatown was not always populated with Chinese immigrants, in fact it had an immensely large Jewish population. We passed by a couple of schools, such as Seward Park High School, where Jerry Stiller attended, Ben Stiller's father. We passed by quite a few famous buildings, such as the Eldridge Street Synagogue, built in 1887 it the first synagogue in the Unites States. We discussed the fact that the synagogue was designed by Catholics and they used neo-gothic architectural principles, instead of Jewish ones. The synagogue contains rose windows, and stained glass! We visited the kletzker Brotherly Aid Association, made to help new arriving Jewish Immigrants. Our guide informed us that these associations were everywhere, almost in every city. The building is now a Chinese funeral home, but if you look closely you can still see the Star of David on it! We passed by Church of the Transfiguration, built as the Zion Episcopal Church, now serves a Roman Catholic Parish, with masses given in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English (BG, p112).We passed by Seward Park, and our guide informed us that there was a constant struggle to get that park, and it was finally made to provide locals with green space so their kids can play. It was a shock to me when our guide informed us that Chinatown was actually founded by several thousand Chinese from California who left after the Goldmine because of the attacks they were received from the working class. He also told us a bit about the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, and how it was the first time a specific country was prohibited from coming into the US. This law was appealed 61 years later, during WWII! As we approached the end of our tour, our guide gave us some information about Five Points, a dangerous area that had a high gang, crime, and poverty rate. Immigrants fought, were stabbed, shot, and  beat to death. He told us the story of Master Juba, an African American dancer who founded tap dancing! We finally arrived at Little Italy, from Mubery St. to Canal St lies the spine of this little country, an ethnic enclave dating from the 1880s that in recent decades has become increasingly Asian (BG, p114). Our tour guide informed us the Little Italy is actually more of a tour location then an authentic Italian location. We ended our last class with tears and delicious cannolis from Ferrara Bakery! 

Even Lower Manhattan & Meat Packed Chelsea

   Our seven week adventure is sadly almost at its end! We hoped on the E train, and arrived at the World Trade Center, a place that holds devastating memories for New York City. The most famous buildings of the World Trade Center's seven buildings were the Twin Towers, two boxy 110-story office buildings designed by Yamasaki, which initially drew criticism for their size and ungainliness, but eventually became familiar icons for the city and even the nation (BG, p62). The towers were destroyed on September 11,2001, when Islamic terrorist deliberately crashed two fully fueled Boeing 767s into the towers (BG,p62). We observed at what stands at the site now, the Freedom Tower. Construction for Daniel Libeskind's Freedom Tower , 1,776 ft high to symbolize the date of American independence began in 2006 (BG, p62). Behind us stood St. Paul's Chapel, opened in 1776, it is the oldest public building in continuous use! It is so old and historic that George Washington actually prayed in it! Mike informed us that during the 9/11 attack, firefighters, construction workers, and members of the police department stayed here to rest and recover. Mike also informed us that the chapel did not even damage a window during the terrorist attacks, which is indicative of some type of miracle this chapel contains. We went inside to see the 9/11 memorial, and I was amazed at the amount of people who come to visit! The memorial contained hundreds of banners sent from all over the country to support New York during its time of need. My favorite part of the memorial was seeing all the letters and notes written to all the courageous firefighters, police officers, and troops to express the gratitude felt for them.

  

    After we visited the chapel, we began walking towards Wall Street, a short street, about a third of a mile long, which runs between Broadway and the East River (BG, p64). Ever since the New York Stock Exchange moved here in 1903, this thoroughfare has been synonymous with New York's financial industry (BG, p64). As we walked, we actually passed right by the New York Stock Exchange ! The most famous and largest stock exchange and is right in the heart of NYC! We discussed how Wall Street has become even more famous because of the protest movement known as Occupy Wall Street. This movement was started to combat financial greed, inequality, and corruption in New York City. As we continued walking we still saw protesters laying down on the ground, not giving up on their beliefs!We arrived at our first stop in Wall Street, Trinity Church, probably New York's most famous and wealthiest house of worship, because of its dramatic setting (BG, p65). We discussed that the architectural style of the church was Neo-Gothic, and Mike informed us that it was actually the tallest building in the city in the 1890's. The present church is actually the third on site. The first (1698) was burned down and remained in ruins for a while,and the second (1790) was demolished after it was extensively damaged (BG, p65). We headed to the churchyard, two acres of welcoming green space in the financial district (BG, p66). We saw the graves of very popular men, such as Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat, and Alexander Hamilton, the first treasurer in the US. We were lucky enough to admire the gorgeous bronze doors that welcome visitors into the church. The doors are modeled after Lorenzo Ghiberti's famous bronze doors of the baptistery of the cathedral in Florence (BG, p65). We left the historic church and continued on our voyage onto the Federal Hall National Monument. Mike informed us that this is the exact location where George Washington was inaugurated in 1789, how cool! This sever and elegantly proportional building is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival temple architecture in the nation (BG,p69). We were welcomed into the building by a powerful sculpture of George Washington, by John Quincy Adams Ward. Inside is a very informative exhibit with actual objects from Washington's inauguration! My favorite object I saw was the huge bible that Washington used during his inauguration. I learned that that exact bible has also been used by presidents preceding him, even George Bush Sr! The exhibit included models of the original City Hall, and information on more current presidents as well. I really enjoyed reading about the first inauguration, and being able to see actual memorabilia.

    We continued our walking adventure, and passed by the National Museum of the American Indian, and Mike informed us that it was formally the Alexandar Hamilton Custom House.The museums astonishing collections range geographically from the Arctic to Tierra del Fuego and chronologically from prehistoric times to the present (BG, p44). We continued our on foot adventure, and arrived at Battery Park, a 23- acre park that offers spectacular views of the harbor, and a group of monuments recalling New York's Martime and commercial history (BG, p48). When we arrived at the park, we were welcomed by a large metallic sculpture known as The Sphere. Mike informed us that this sculpture had actually survived the attacks of 9/11, and now it stands as a memorial. Mike and Meritta informed us that Battery Park got his name from the row of cannons that defended the original fort. As we walked a bit further, we arrived at Castle Clinton who's walls were raised before the War if 1812 to protect the harbor from a naval invasion (BG, p48). We were able to look at the Castle Clinton exhibit, which talks about the many changes the location has undergone, and shows us how they built those famous walls! As we proceeded we passed by the famous immigration gate Ellis Island and the most tourist attracting sculpture, the Statue of Liberty. We headed towards our next stop, the World Financial Center, who's five office towers were designed by the firm of Cesar Pelli between 1985 and 1988 (BG, p.61). Meritta informed us that the building was extensively damaged during 9/11, and had to be closed for renovations. We continued on to the Irish Hunger Memorial, which Meritta informed us is dedicated to create awareness of the Great Irish Famine, which killed millions of people in Ireland. It was such a lovely experience being able to walk through this monument, and I definitely felt as If I had just time traveled to Ireland! After our time traveling experience, we headed to the Poets House. The Poets House is an unique organization that really shows passion and devotion to poetry. This place has an amazing collection of any type of poem one can think of! A poetry book that caught my eye was tittled I'm Tired of Being Quiet by Alejo Rodriguez. I really enjoyed reading the poems in this book, especially since I found most of the poems gave a sense of empowerment to women. My favorite poem in the book was titled Who's Nagging? and it speaks about men constantly telling women that they are naggers, when in fact they are just speaking the truth! I really enjoyed the relaxing time at the Poets House, and I am already planning to visit again!

      After our relaxing time at the Poets House, it was time to break for lunch! We headed to Chelsea Market, a place filled with ton of food! As we arrived at the Meatpacking District, Mike informed us that back in the day it was filled with prostitution and warehouses, and that now it is extremely gentrified! It gentrified rapidly during the 1990s with stylish bars and restaurants, high concept clothing and design stores, and art galleries spilling south from Chelsea (BG, p184). We arrived at the Chealsea Market, the former Nabisco owner who reopened in 1995 with ground floor filled with shops offering high-quality food, wine, kitchen wares, and flowers (BG, p186). We had a delicious Hale & Hearty meal, and had full and happy bellies. After lunch, we headed to the High Line, and Mike informed us that it used to be a railroad on the street in which people would get hit. West Side Cowboys mounted on horseback preceded the engines waving flags, but accidents happened and it became known as the "Death Avenue" (BG, p188). It is now a relaxing park in which people can sit and take naps if they wanted to!.

 

    Our remaining time was spent gallery hoping! I had fun hoping through the galleries and experiencing each different kind of art that each gallery tried to sell. I found a lot of the art weird, and this experience definitely opened up my mind to the kinds of art that are out there. My favorite work of art was the body under the blanket in the middle of the room. It was creepy looking because the details make it look so real! My favorite gallery was the one that used wood pieces and chunks, and some where large enough to cover an entire wall! I enjoyed observing the creativity and uniqueness the artist from these galleries have. They are definitely breaking barriers when it comes to the idea of typical art!

The Spanishy Harlems & Morningside Stairs

Our wonderful exploring days continue in Manhattan! We hoped on the 6 train and headed to East Harlem, the area east of Park Avenue and north of 96th St, with a large Latino population, is known as El Barrio or Spanish Harlem (BG, p437). Harlem is also the most famous center of African- American life and culture in the US (BG, p437). Our first stop of the day was The Museum of the City of New York. The first exhibition we saw at this museum was tittled New York Interiors (1690-1906). It had exact replicas of what the anterior of a home would look like during the specific time period. The decorative detail and the architectural styles were  so precise that they made me feel as if I had just stepped into somebody's home! As we continued our exploration of the museum we learned about the East River Waterfront. The waterfront has been crucial in the development of New York City as an industrious city. The waterfront exhibition also included a portion tittled Reimaging the Waterfront: Manhattan's East River Esplanade. The exhibition shows eight winning proposal designs from architects and city planners all over the world. Each having their own idea as to how the waterfront should exist. We watched a short film at the museum called Timescapes: A multimedia Portrait of New York. The film was my favorite part of our visit at the museum. It was attention grabbing, and I was very intrigued at the creativity of the three screens used through out the film. Each screen contained something different, such as maps, quotes, and pictures. The film did an excellent job in telling the history and the important turning point of New York City. It spoke about the different influxes of immigrants, the important transportation changes, and many more informative topics! After the film, we explored an exhibition titled Activist New York. This informative exhibit highlighted all of the social activism that occurred in New York City since the 17th century. I really enjoyed looking at the history behind the Visiting Nurse Service of New York It all began with two young nurses Wald and Brewst, who moved into the lower east side to provide care for poor immigrants living in nearby tenements. Wald's hard work and dedication helped paved the way for the field of public health nurses. It was quite interesting to see the outfit the nurses used to wear back in the day, and the little supplies they had to work with.

 

   After our lovely visit at the museum, we continued our exploration of East Harlem on foot. The fertile soil and the strategic advantages of the Harlem plain attracted Dutch farmers, who in 1658 founded Niew Harlem, ten miles north of New Amsterdam at the tip of Manhattan (BG, p437).  We spoke about the large influx of Puerto Rican's after World War I, which consequently led to Harlem having the highest crime and unemployment rate. Mike informed us that gentrification is occurring in Harlem, but not as quickly as in other locations in New York City. This actually surprised me, and it goes to show that gentrification can happen anywhere at basically anytime. We arrived into a famous little store called Justo Botanica.This store sells just about anything you can think of! Candles, jewelery, rabbits feet, incense, special bathing oils, witch spray, and much more! We spoke to the owner of the store, Jorge Vargas, and he informed us that he sells much more than material objects, he sells hope. He sells hope to the locals in Harlem when things begin to look bad, or when they begin to loose faith. He gives spiritual consultations, and can cure just about any pain or disease out there! I enjoyed visiting this store, it gave me insight as to what other people are open to believing in when it comes to their health, luck, and faith. I couldn't help it, I just had to buy a skull bracelet that represents a god that gives strength and power.

   

   After purchasing a bit of hope at the botanica, we continued our walking adventure in Harlem to witness the large amount of public art it contains! We encountered beautiful paintings and powerful poems. The first painting we saw was by an artist well known in the area, James De La Vega. The painting was of Pedro Pietri, a Puerto Rican poet and the founder of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. We were lucky enough to have a poem read to us by Pietri, called Puerto Rican Obituary. It was such a intense and powerful poem that spoke about the true struggles the Puerto Rican immigrants encountered in New York City. The poem mainly spoke about them working hard, and being uderpayed. We spoke about another work of art right across from the Pietri painting tittled The Spirit of East Harlem by a famous Harlem painter Manny Vega. The mural had locals doing everyday things in the community, and most importantly they were enjoying themselves. This mural shows to us the power of a community, and how close knit they actually were. As we began to indulge ourselves in the beautiful public art, we visited a beautiful garden called the Modesto Flores Community Garden. I really enjoyed being in this little nature filled garden. As we walked in further to the garden we viewed a beautiful painting tittled Soldaderas. This painting portrays two women from completly diffrent countries. The artist, Yasmin Hernandez actually came up with the idea of this paiting to counteract the steroetype the Mexican and Puerto Rican residents are constantly at battle with each other in East Harlem. I really ejoyed this painting, and the fact that it tries to break social barriers with art. After our visit at the garden, we continued our public art adventure, and landed on a mosiac peice that was curretly being worked on. As we bega to take pictures, the artist came back, and it was Manny Vega! It was quite exciting to meet a well known artist. He spoke to us, and told us that he loves doing art for the public. He informed us that once he puts it on a wall it becomes whatever we make of it, and whatever we want it to represent. The mosaic was tittled Espiritu, meaning spirit and too me it represents the live and exciting culture of East Harlem.

    After viewing the beautiful public art in East Harlem, it was time for lunch!. We decided to eat at El Caribeno Restaurant, and it was an excellent decision! The food was on the money! It was actually cheap and delicious Caribbean food. My favorite was the rice and beans! There is nothing like a good plate of rice and beans to fill you up when you are hungry. After our bellies were full, we continued our walking adventure and headed towards the northern part of Central Park, a part that few people have actually visited. We entered through the Conservatory Garden, a beautiful garden with lovely flowers, water fountains, and grass designs. I really enjoyed walking through this garden, it was like the perfect scene for an outdoor wedding! We continued our hike, and climbed a hill, and searched for a nice rock to sit on by the lake. As we passed by the lake we saw plenty of ducks living their usual relaxing life. It was extremely relaxing to be able to sit and enjoy the view at Central Park, which we know was designed by Olmstead to provide New York City with green open spaces to enjoy. We remeniseed on our adventures for a few minutes, and continued on to our next stop of the day.                                                                                      

                                                                                                                     After the breathtaking views at the Conservatory Garden and the relaxing time at Central park, we headed towards 125st, where we met up with our tour guide Jim, who gave us quite an informative walking tour of East Harlem. Jim informed us that in 1837 the New York and Harlem Railroad  transformed the population and the history of Harlem. 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 simultaneosly raising a barrier between the east and west sides of Harlem creating a strip of blight where factories, squatters, shacks, and tenements quickly sprang up (BG, p437). The railroad allowed tons of immigrants to travel to East Harlem, in search of better lives and futures. In successive years Harlem became home to immigrants from Russia, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Scandinavia, England, and Spain (BG, p437). Jim began pointing out historical locations, such as the St. Cecilia Parish, one of the first churches built for the Irish community. He informed us that the Irish were seen as dirty people who were basically ruining the community, and for them to have a church made for especially them was basically a stepping stone to their history. We spoke about the Harlem Renaissance, and how the talented individuals who took part in it made Harlem famous. The different types of poems, art, and music that came out during this period proved to New York City that African Americans were not the barbaric animals they were proceeded to be. The Harlem Renaissance, usually considered the brief period from 1924 to until the stock market crash of 1929, saw the flowering of black literature, art, music, and political thinking (BG, p.438).  Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Duke Ellington are only a few of the many people who greatly contributed with their talents and creativity to the Harlem Renaissance. We passed by many brownstone houses, and discussed the fact that New York City is unlike any other city because it has the privilege of having stoops and fire escapes. He informed us that back in the day everything would take place on a stoop, from a persons first kiss to first breakup. Jim informed us about an important figure, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. a Harlem representative in congress who fought for African American rights and equality. He was quite influential, and currently has a bronze statue in his honor on 7th avenue. The statue portrays him moving foward, which makes a statement to his power and influential ways. We visited Marcus Garvey Park, named in honor of Marcus Garvey who was one of the founders of the united Negro Improvement Association. He also founded the Black Star Line, a shipping line that shipped goods and African American's back to their homeland. We ended our walking tour with a beautiful statue of Harriet Tubman, a historic figuere that risked her life to rescue African Americans from slavery. The statue was huge, larger than any other statue I have ever seen. Mike informed us that she is made bigger than the average human to show to us how powerful her efforts were. She is shown moving with 70 faces on her dress, to symbolize the 70 people she rescued from slavery.

We went for one more stop on our Harlem adventure, and headed towards Morningside Park. Morningside Park occupies about 30 acres, including a rocky cliff of Manhattan schist, which plunges down to the Harlem Plain (BG, p426). After being unsuccessful in racing Mike up the billion stairs this park contains, I had to sit down and catch my breath! We arrived at Morningside Heights ,and we were informed that Fredrick Olmsted also designed Morningside Park, which is not a surprise. The park had a reputation for danger as early as the 1930s, but in 1981 some Columbia undergraduates founded the Friends of Morningside park, which advocated returning the then overgrown and neglected park to its original design, and reclaiming its wilderness (BG, p426).  What a lovely time spent in the wonderful NYC!