Journals 2
Journal 4: Spanish Harlem/East Harlem
When we had first arrived in Spanish Harlem also know as "El Barrio"(pg 85) I was not to sure what to except. "El Barrio" was a lot different than I had originally excepted it to be. I thought that the area would be poor and run down but it was completely opposite of what I had pictured. I had no idea that were was such an influx of immigrants from Mexico, and the Caribbean in the 1980's and the 90's (pg 86) that had moved to this part of Manhattan.
The Museum of the City of New York was one of my favorite places we had visited this entire trip. Watching that twenty minute video about the history of the city really opened my eyes. I understood that the city of Manhattan is not old in comparison to other cities throughout the world, but it is still interesting how all this different groups such as the native americans and the colonists wanted to set up the island in a grid pattern. I find it amazing that those people back in the 1600's understood that it would be beneficial to the community if the island was set up in a grid format. To me it is amazing and kind of unimaginable that the great city of Manhattan started below 14th street. After seeing the video "Timescapes" (pg 87) I can understand why people around the world consider New York the greatest city in the world.
The graffiti art within the museum was very interesting to look at as well. Seeing that subway cars with the graffiti covering the entire car looks outstanding. I thought that graffiti could not be "art" but seeing this part of the museum really proved me wrong. When seeing the Jesus sculpture covered in graffiti it was rather odd seeing it. I would of never expected to see such an iconic person in history covered in graffiti. With that being said it was a very beautiful piece of art though. I know that your not suppose to "deface" such an iconic person in history but it brought out a different aspect of Jesus.
When seeing the mural dedicated to Pedro Pitetri (pg 87) I can really see how this community came together how much spirit and hope that this part of Harlem has together. Little things such as a mural can really bring the moral of community together. Across the street from Pedro Pietri is the "Spirit of East Harlem" mural that is rather large. The artist Hank Prussing in 1978 (pg 87) was one of the most iconic things to see on a wall for me. I could not believe how big this painting was just on the side of the building for all to see.
When we had entered the Modesto "Tin" Flores garden (pg 88) I could tell right from the fountain that it was geared towards women. The mural on the wall showing Frida Kahlo of Mexico and Julia de Burgos the Puerto Rican poet, you could see the unification of two different nations. This garden brings people of all different latino backgrounds together. It was such a nice place to visit to see how this community comes together. There were two women sitting there in the park together and it was nice to see people enjoying the garden.
I have been to Central Park before but I still enjoy seeing the Central Park reservoir aka the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. I just like being around the water and seeing the different people running around the reservoir. However I had no idea that the reservoir is 40 feet deep and holds over 1 billions gallons of water (pg 60).
When we had first arrived in Spanish Harlem also know as "El Barrio"(pg 85) I was not to sure what to except. "El Barrio" was a lot different than I had originally excepted it to be. I thought that the area would be poor and run down but it was completely opposite of what I had pictured. I had no idea that were was such an influx of immigrants from Mexico, and the Caribbean in the 1980's and the 90's (pg 86) that had moved to this part of Manhattan.
The Museum of the City of New York was one of my favorite places we had visited this entire trip. Watching that twenty minute video about the history of the city really opened my eyes. I understood that the city of Manhattan is not old in comparison to other cities throughout the world, but it is still interesting how all this different groups such as the native americans and the colonists wanted to set up the island in a grid pattern. I find it amazing that those people back in the 1600's understood that it would be beneficial to the community if the island was set up in a grid format. To me it is amazing and kind of unimaginable that the great city of Manhattan started below 14th street. After seeing the video "Timescapes" (pg 87) I can understand why people around the world consider New York the greatest city in the world.
The graffiti art within the museum was very interesting to look at as well. Seeing that subway cars with the graffiti covering the entire car looks outstanding. I thought that graffiti could not be "art" but seeing this part of the museum really proved me wrong. When seeing the Jesus sculpture covered in graffiti it was rather odd seeing it. I would of never expected to see such an iconic person in history covered in graffiti. With that being said it was a very beautiful piece of art though. I know that your not suppose to "deface" such an iconic person in history but it brought out a different aspect of Jesus.
When seeing the mural dedicated to Pedro Pitetri (pg 87) I can really see how this community came together how much spirit and hope that this part of Harlem has together. Little things such as a mural can really bring the moral of community together. Across the street from Pedro Pietri is the "Spirit of East Harlem" mural that is rather large. The artist Hank Prussing in 1978 (pg 87) was one of the most iconic things to see on a wall for me. I could not believe how big this painting was just on the side of the building for all to see.
When we had entered the Modesto "Tin" Flores garden (pg 88) I could tell right from the fountain that it was geared towards women. The mural on the wall showing Frida Kahlo of Mexico and Julia de Burgos the Puerto Rican poet, you could see the unification of two different nations. This garden brings people of all different latino backgrounds together. It was such a nice place to visit to see how this community comes together. There were two women sitting there in the park together and it was nice to see people enjoying the garden.
I have been to Central Park before but I still enjoy seeing the Central Park reservoir aka the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. I just like being around the water and seeing the different people running around the reservoir. However I had no idea that the reservoir is 40 feet deep and holds over 1 billions gallons of water (pg 60).
Journal 5: Times Square/Harlem
Times Square is a very congested area that I personally have visited numerous times to see broadway shows, go out to dinner, and to the radio city christmas show. I did not know though that the ball dropping in times square has been happening since 1907 (pg 33). I had never known that the area was know as "The Crossroads of the World" and "The Great White Way". I never know why Times Square was called Times Square as well. I would like to thank Mike Russo for telling me that the New York Times moved to a skyscraper on 42nd Street (Mike Russo). I had no idea that in 1928 80 different theaters were in full operation, earning millions of dollars in revenue from tourists (pg 33).
The Museum of Modern Art was our next stop on our list. When I was in high school I was told to drop art because it was my weak point. Ever since I have just been discouraged about art and what it means. However I really enjoy wood working, I have made two tables, a lamp, a cutting board, and a rocking horse. Jasper Johns' Flag was by far my favor piece of art in the MoMA. Seeing that piece of art work made me feel proud to be an american especially with the fourth of July coming up. I am a very patriotic person so seeing this flag was very important to me.
The van Gogh painting called "The Starry Night" is such an iconic painting. I feel that everyone has seen that painting at least once in their life time.
When had ate at Yum Yum it had been one of my favorite places that we had eaten in. I had enjoyed the spicy shrimp and the entrée that I had. I want to try the other different Yum Yum's in that area and to see if they are any different.
Times Square is a very congested area that I personally have visited numerous times to see broadway shows, go out to dinner, and to the radio city christmas show. I did not know though that the ball dropping in times square has been happening since 1907 (pg 33). I had never known that the area was know as "The Crossroads of the World" and "The Great White Way". I never know why Times Square was called Times Square as well. I would like to thank Mike Russo for telling me that the New York Times moved to a skyscraper on 42nd Street (Mike Russo). I had no idea that in 1928 80 different theaters were in full operation, earning millions of dollars in revenue from tourists (pg 33).
The Museum of Modern Art was our next stop on our list. When I was in high school I was told to drop art because it was my weak point. Ever since I have just been discouraged about art and what it means. However I really enjoy wood working, I have made two tables, a lamp, a cutting board, and a rocking horse. Jasper Johns' Flag was by far my favor piece of art in the MoMA. Seeing that piece of art work made me feel proud to be an american especially with the fourth of July coming up. I am a very patriotic person so seeing this flag was very important to me.
The van Gogh painting called "The Starry Night" is such an iconic painting. I feel that everyone has seen that painting at least once in their life time.
When had ate at Yum Yum it had been one of my favorite places that we had eaten in. I had enjoyed the spicy shrimp and the entrée that I had. I want to try the other different Yum Yum's in that area and to see if they are any different.
Journal 6: Wall Street
We first toured St. Paul’s Chapel, which luckily was not damaged during the September 11th attacks. It was great to see how much support was given not only from New Yorkers but also from the whole country. Whether it was the banner hanging from Oklahoma or all the patches left from all other fire and police departments. I had found my uncle Greg's photo along with three or four different dad's of kids i went to high school with.
Trinity Church once stood as the tallest building in the city and is currently the third building in its current location. The first was burned down in a fire after the battle during the American Revolution and the second church being taken down because a snowstorm damaged the foundation and structure of the building.
Viewing city hall was amazing but the tour guide was not the best person to have teaching us the history of the building. I really liked the painting in the governors room. The paintings in the room were amazing and I really enjoyed the George Washington table. I cannot believe how old some of the paintings as well as the age of the furniture in that room. It really impressed me that all the wood was still intact and still looked as it did when it was built.
Then we had toured the 9/11 Memorial which I personally did not view. I have been to the memorial quite a few times to visit my uncles and some other relatives. I still cannot understand why people would try to hurt other people just as the Taliban did to use. It is still an unthinkable act of cowardliness that these people hurt us as a nation. This was the first attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor.
We first toured St. Paul’s Chapel, which luckily was not damaged during the September 11th attacks. It was great to see how much support was given not only from New Yorkers but also from the whole country. Whether it was the banner hanging from Oklahoma or all the patches left from all other fire and police departments. I had found my uncle Greg's photo along with three or four different dad's of kids i went to high school with.
Trinity Church once stood as the tallest building in the city and is currently the third building in its current location. The first was burned down in a fire after the battle during the American Revolution and the second church being taken down because a snowstorm damaged the foundation and structure of the building.
Viewing city hall was amazing but the tour guide was not the best person to have teaching us the history of the building. I really liked the painting in the governors room. The paintings in the room were amazing and I really enjoyed the George Washington table. I cannot believe how old some of the paintings as well as the age of the furniture in that room. It really impressed me that all the wood was still intact and still looked as it did when it was built.
Then we had toured the 9/11 Memorial which I personally did not view. I have been to the memorial quite a few times to visit my uncles and some other relatives. I still cannot understand why people would try to hurt other people just as the Taliban did to use. It is still an unthinkable act of cowardliness that these people hurt us as a nation. This was the first attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor.
Journal 7: Lower East Side
Tenement Museum really puts you back in time, in the 1870s, to really see what the conditions were really like for new immigrants. It was crazy how many people lived in such a tiny apartment and it was thought to be ok. It is crazy to think that twenty plus people used four different portapotty's. I could imagine one of those portapottys at a work site with men going in and out and doing their business but only tripling the people. It was very nice to hear the recording of the Italian family member talk about her father playing card games with her and telling her stories. The reason this was possible was because of the depression at the time in the 1930's. It was sad that she did not understand why her father was home all the time but it was nice to hear all of the great memories. However the museum was not my favorite place that we had went on this day. The actual tenement was so small and I had hit my head quite a few times on different lighting fixtures and other hanging objects. Seeing the first apartment was very surreal looking. The paint peeling off the wall to the cracked windows made it very erie feeling which I personally did not like. I understand people have not been living there since the late 1930's but I had envisioned that they would keep it maintained and up to date with such things as a coat of paint and leveling out the floors.(Tour Guide)
Tenement Museum really puts you back in time, in the 1870s, to really see what the conditions were really like for new immigrants. It was crazy how many people lived in such a tiny apartment and it was thought to be ok. It is crazy to think that twenty plus people used four different portapotty's. I could imagine one of those portapottys at a work site with men going in and out and doing their business but only tripling the people. It was very nice to hear the recording of the Italian family member talk about her father playing card games with her and telling her stories. The reason this was possible was because of the depression at the time in the 1930's. It was sad that she did not understand why her father was home all the time but it was nice to hear all of the great memories. However the museum was not my favorite place that we had went on this day. The actual tenement was so small and I had hit my head quite a few times on different lighting fixtures and other hanging objects. Seeing the first apartment was very surreal looking. The paint peeling off the wall to the cracked windows made it very erie feeling which I personally did not like. I understand people have not been living there since the late 1930's but I had envisioned that they would keep it maintained and up to date with such things as a coat of paint and leveling out the floors.(Tour Guide)
Next we had time to walk the streets of chinatown. My group and I had a good time walking the streets and saw the Temple that Mike Russo the great and powerful wanted us to visit. We all received our fortunes and we all had positive fortunes. It was interesting to visit there because I personally had excepted a big museum with tours and such, however it was much smaller than I had envisioned. I really did like the temple though, seeing the budda's and just the smell of the temple was rather soothing.(Brian McEvoy)
Up next was my favorite part of the day and that was eating at Congee Village. Mike Russo treated us to a lovely buffet and I ate like an animal. All the different types of food I really enjoyed. From the chicken to the spicy vegetables I loved it all. What made this better was that Michael Russo the great and powerful paid for us. My favorite food that we had there was the garlic chicken. I had never had something that tasted like that and it was wonderful. Thanks