Journal 2
Wild West Side
Museum of Modern Art
MoMA for short has been considered by many as one of the most prominent museum of modern art in the world. It hosts several types of art; modern and contemporary, photography, prints, paintings, drawings, architecture and design, etc. It contains several thousand of books and periodicals.
The museum was built and opened to the public at first, in its previous location, Fifth Avenue in November 1929 only a couple days preceding the financial crash.
Abby Aldrich Rockfeller along with Mary Quinn Sullivan and Lillie P. Bliss known as "the daring ladies" came with the project to have in New York City a museum that would feature modern art and were able to put the project into execution. And, later on, the museum was moved to its current location on 57th Street, and went to different alterations to respond to its mission a reference and avant-garde in modern museum.
During my brief visit, I was able to admire some of the world best masterpieces painted by the most famous painters, Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, Henry Matisse and Claude Monet. Also, other forms of art, were in exhibition such artifacts by dada, chinene vases, advertising. Some of the pieces in exhibition would leave the visitor speechless by the message, the artist with his creator power intends to convey and invites the visitor to go behind his imagination. Others, on the other hand could have any significant value to the observer, observing with a naked amateur eye.
For instance, a suspended shovel could be meaningless and viewed with no purpose. Therefore, it is very important to classify every and single piece of art in its context. For example, I had to do some research to understand and appreciate Dada art.
Dadaism was more than a form of art. Rather it was movement, a reactive reaction that encomprises literature, poetry, theater art and manifestoes to world war I, and the traditional elite. It is by essence a reject of modernity. Thus, a Dada piece of art must be understood and evaluated by its contrast to modernism of Matisse, Van Gogh; and cubism of Picasso.
MoMA for short has been considered by many as one of the most prominent museum of modern art in the world. It hosts several types of art; modern and contemporary, photography, prints, paintings, drawings, architecture and design, etc. It contains several thousand of books and periodicals.
The museum was built and opened to the public at first, in its previous location, Fifth Avenue in November 1929 only a couple days preceding the financial crash.
Abby Aldrich Rockfeller along with Mary Quinn Sullivan and Lillie P. Bliss known as "the daring ladies" came with the project to have in New York City a museum that would feature modern art and were able to put the project into execution. And, later on, the museum was moved to its current location on 57th Street, and went to different alterations to respond to its mission a reference and avant-garde in modern museum.
During my brief visit, I was able to admire some of the world best masterpieces painted by the most famous painters, Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, Henry Matisse and Claude Monet. Also, other forms of art, were in exhibition such artifacts by dada, chinene vases, advertising. Some of the pieces in exhibition would leave the visitor speechless by the message, the artist with his creator power intends to convey and invites the visitor to go behind his imagination. Others, on the other hand could have any significant value to the observer, observing with a naked amateur eye.
For instance, a suspended shovel could be meaningless and viewed with no purpose. Therefore, it is very important to classify every and single piece of art in its context. For example, I had to do some research to understand and appreciate Dada art.
Dadaism was more than a form of art. Rather it was movement, a reactive reaction that encomprises literature, poetry, theater art and manifestoes to world war I, and the traditional elite. It is by essence a reject of modernity. Thus, a Dada piece of art must be understood and evaluated by its contrast to modernism of Matisse, Van Gogh; and cubism of Picasso.
Rockefeller Center
It is located in Midtown Manhattan, and was built between 1930-1939 by the famous architect, Raymond Hood. It has been considered since 1987 a National Historic Landmark. At the beginning, the project was supported by both the Metropolitan Opera and the Rockefeller. Then, came the financial crisis of 1929, the Metropolitan Opera walked out of the deal. The Rockefeller had to take on this enormous challenge to go alone with this ambitious project...
Rockefeller Center is a combination of Modern and Decor Art, and is incorporated several public arts sculpted by by some of the most famous sculptor in the world; Statue of Atlas, Prometheus, etc. It houses several big buildings; Radio City Music Hall, General E. building, NBC. It is place of great entertainment with numerous restaurants, shopping centers. It hosts the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree for the holiday season, with an ice skating rink..
"The most dramatic approach to Rockefeller Center if from fifth Avenue between West 49th and West 50th Sts...Flanking a central promenade are two low buildings, both completed in 1933: on the north, the British empire building and on the south, La Maison Francaise, buildings whose modest scale reflects an earlier Fifth Ave" (BG. page 244).
It is located in Midtown Manhattan, and was built between 1930-1939 by the famous architect, Raymond Hood. It has been considered since 1987 a National Historic Landmark. At the beginning, the project was supported by both the Metropolitan Opera and the Rockefeller. Then, came the financial crisis of 1929, the Metropolitan Opera walked out of the deal. The Rockefeller had to take on this enormous challenge to go alone with this ambitious project...
Rockefeller Center is a combination of Modern and Decor Art, and is incorporated several public arts sculpted by by some of the most famous sculptor in the world; Statue of Atlas, Prometheus, etc. It houses several big buildings; Radio City Music Hall, General E. building, NBC. It is place of great entertainment with numerous restaurants, shopping centers. It hosts the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree for the holiday season, with an ice skating rink..
"The most dramatic approach to Rockefeller Center if from fifth Avenue between West 49th and West 50th Sts...Flanking a central promenade are two low buildings, both completed in 1933: on the north, the British empire building and on the south, La Maison Francaise, buildings whose modest scale reflects an earlier Fifth Ave" (BG. page 244).
City Hall
It is the oldest City Halls in the country that is still conducting government's business. In fact, New York City had its first City Hall in the seventeenth century during the Dutch settlement, and a second city hall was built in 1700. However, the second City hall had become Federal Hall following the Revolution war, and New York was the first Capital of the nation from 1785 to 1790.
The idea to build a new City Hall has been for a long period of time discussed, but delayed due to financial burden subsequent of the Independence War. Thus, in 1802 a competition was held by the City Council to select the best design of the actual City Hall and the first price of $350.00 was awarded the marquette presented by Joseph Francois Margin a french native who studied architecture there and John McComb Jr. a New Yorker. Both architects had extensive knowledge in architecture, they respectively designed St Patrick Old Cathedral and Castle Clinton in Manhattan.
There were some objections to the project presented by these architects from the City Council regarding the cost of the construction. Therefore, they had to reconsider and modify their plan in size and structure. The proposed size of the building had been reduced, and the rear was done in brownstone. The building went to some repairs in 1954 and the original marble of the facade was replaced by limestone.
City hall was officially open in 1812. it presents a hybrid structure related to the knowledge and influence of both architects. From the outside, the French Renaissance architecture style is flagrant with so much emphasis put on symmetry, proportion, geometry and regularity and the type of domes, arches, and vaults designed. The American Georgian style marked the inside of the building; decorative moldings, centered panels, several columns to support the dome and balustrades, etc.
Administratively, City Hall is of great importance, the building encomprises the offices of the Mayor and the City Council. During my visit, I was thrilled by a good example of our model of democracy. In fact, some concerned citizens and the City Council were discussing issued related to some communities.
Historically, City Hall hosted and preserved some very important events in our City history and the country altogether. The Governor's room which serves as the Governor's office when visiting New York hosted our President elect Abraham Lincoln and later on, his coffin was laid at the rotunda to allow citizens of the country to pay their respect to the great Lincoln. Also, Grant Ulysses coffin was laid at City hall. It preserved some very important paintings and artifacts of inestimable values; portraits of Georges Washington, and other significant figures in our history. I was personally moving by the experience to get close to the desk using by the first President of this country, Georges Washington one of founding fathers of this great nation. Also, it displayed the desk of one the most loved and admired Mayor that City has ever known, Fiorello LaGuardia.
It is awarded numerous distinctions for its remarkable architecture from state to federal levels. It is featured in different movies and television series; Spin City, City Hall, Ghosts Busters. It is highly praised and this opinion echoes by the book "Blue Guide - New York" which is worth mentioning. "Novelist Henry James, with his usual keen eye, hailed City Hall for its 'perfect taste and finish...reduced yet ample scale,...harmony of parts...and modest classic grace,' Less articulate observers have called it the best City Hall in America. (BG, page 83)
It is the oldest City Halls in the country that is still conducting government's business. In fact, New York City had its first City Hall in the seventeenth century during the Dutch settlement, and a second city hall was built in 1700. However, the second City hall had become Federal Hall following the Revolution war, and New York was the first Capital of the nation from 1785 to 1790.
The idea to build a new City Hall has been for a long period of time discussed, but delayed due to financial burden subsequent of the Independence War. Thus, in 1802 a competition was held by the City Council to select the best design of the actual City Hall and the first price of $350.00 was awarded the marquette presented by Joseph Francois Margin a french native who studied architecture there and John McComb Jr. a New Yorker. Both architects had extensive knowledge in architecture, they respectively designed St Patrick Old Cathedral and Castle Clinton in Manhattan.
There were some objections to the project presented by these architects from the City Council regarding the cost of the construction. Therefore, they had to reconsider and modify their plan in size and structure. The proposed size of the building had been reduced, and the rear was done in brownstone. The building went to some repairs in 1954 and the original marble of the facade was replaced by limestone.
City hall was officially open in 1812. it presents a hybrid structure related to the knowledge and influence of both architects. From the outside, the French Renaissance architecture style is flagrant with so much emphasis put on symmetry, proportion, geometry and regularity and the type of domes, arches, and vaults designed. The American Georgian style marked the inside of the building; decorative moldings, centered panels, several columns to support the dome and balustrades, etc.
Administratively, City Hall is of great importance, the building encomprises the offices of the Mayor and the City Council. During my visit, I was thrilled by a good example of our model of democracy. In fact, some concerned citizens and the City Council were discussing issued related to some communities.
Historically, City Hall hosted and preserved some very important events in our City history and the country altogether. The Governor's room which serves as the Governor's office when visiting New York hosted our President elect Abraham Lincoln and later on, his coffin was laid at the rotunda to allow citizens of the country to pay their respect to the great Lincoln. Also, Grant Ulysses coffin was laid at City hall. It preserved some very important paintings and artifacts of inestimable values; portraits of Georges Washington, and other significant figures in our history. I was personally moving by the experience to get close to the desk using by the first President of this country, Georges Washington one of founding fathers of this great nation. Also, it displayed the desk of one the most loved and admired Mayor that City has ever known, Fiorello LaGuardia.
It is awarded numerous distinctions for its remarkable architecture from state to federal levels. It is featured in different movies and television series; Spin City, City Hall, Ghosts Busters. It is highly praised and this opinion echoes by the book "Blue Guide - New York" which is worth mentioning. "Novelist Henry James, with his usual keen eye, hailed City Hall for its 'perfect taste and finish...reduced yet ample scale,...harmony of parts...and modest classic grace,' Less articulate observers have called it the best City Hall in America. (BG, page 83)
9/11 Memorial
It was a very touching moment to visit the 9/11 Memorial dedicated to those who were cowardly taken away from their love ones from the former World Trade center buildings, the Pentagon and the Virginia plainfields terrorists' attacks. The Memorial is a tribute, a place of remembrance and quiet reflection in respect and memory to these victims, a lieu demonstrating America and New York city resilience. In fact, two waterfalls and reflecting pools of the size of about one acre are erected within the footprints of what used to be the Twins Towers, the names of 2986 victims who were struck by terrorists on 9/11 and the previous bombing attack of 1993. Also, the Freedom Tower which should be inaugurated this year, and will stand 1776 feet which symbolizes, the Independence of America.
It was a very touching moment to visit the 9/11 Memorial dedicated to those who were cowardly taken away from their love ones from the former World Trade center buildings, the Pentagon and the Virginia plainfields terrorists' attacks. The Memorial is a tribute, a place of remembrance and quiet reflection in respect and memory to these victims, a lieu demonstrating America and New York city resilience. In fact, two waterfalls and reflecting pools of the size of about one acre are erected within the footprints of what used to be the Twins Towers, the names of 2986 victims who were struck by terrorists on 9/11 and the previous bombing attack of 1993. Also, the Freedom Tower which should be inaugurated this year, and will stand 1776 feet which symbolizes, the Independence of America.
Chelsea and its galleries...
It is astonishing! There is absolutely nothing in art diversity and activities to compare to New York City Chelsea district galleries. The district spans from West 13th to West 29th and 10th Ave to West Side Highway. In fact, walking this area to visit different types of galleries could be an interesting way to stay in good shape physically while the mind will be feeding on these learning and exploring experiences. Moreover, some of the artists are available to explain their pieces with ample details, and if the visitor is lucky enough he can get a glass champagne, everything is FREE of charge.
Thus, last week while touring this beautiful and great city along with my enthusiastic classmates, under the guidance and leadership of our inspiring instructors we visited so many places including the well-known Chelsea Market with its numerous shops and their shelves filled with goodies; foods, wines, sea foods, artworks, books and postal cards. It was time to take our break and this was the ideal place to be. Everyone went on his way with a belly to fill through a delicate mouth, however; like a bee that always goes back to its preferred nectar and pollen flower, after eating we all, one by one converged to the same destination, a ice cream place to choose our favorites; mango, cherry, coconut, raisin, vanilla, banana. Once, we finished we walked up to the To High Line, a subway tracks converted to a beautiful suspended well-designed garden, a long boardwalk, well-garnished flowers, sunbathed visitors and more. According to (BG, page 188)"Beginning in the late 1990s, a local advocacy group defeated proposals for demolition and at present time, a park is being constructed over the 1.6 miles between West 16th and West 30th Sts. The luxury buildings by celebrated architects that are being designed along the route will alter the humble Chelsea skyline." And, finally came our time to tour Chelsea's galleries.
The Wrinkles of the City, Havana - Cuba by JR and Jose Parla...
We visited several museums exhibiting all types of arts; portraits, drawings, decorative vases, sculptures and paintings. "The Wrinkles of Havana, Cuba", exhibited at the gallery Bryce Wolkowitz personally caught my attention. The artists JR and Jose Parla worked together in a commission project for the celebration of the 11th Havana Biennial which i believed was fabulous. In fact, they were a dozen of pieces in exhibition. I selected six of them to post on my website...
JR and Parla are among the most influential Street artists. JR is a French native. Whereas, Parla is Cuban descent. Both traveled to Cuba to meet , interview, and photograph several seniors who lived through the Cuban revolution, and the portrait of their subjects were painted in black-and-white on the walls of Havana building. According to Bryce Wolkowitz, Parla"interlaces the images with palimpsestic, calligraphic writings and color". (www.brycewolkowitz.com)
I will restraint myself from any political statement. However, this is a perfect example of the power of arts. These common citizens through the medium of painting were able to have their pictures exposed on the walls of city buildings, a privilege mostly reserved to political figures in Cuba like Fidel and Raul Castro...A resolution of the United Nations would not be able to do so.
Thus, last week while touring this beautiful and great city along with my enthusiastic classmates, under the guidance and leadership of our inspiring instructors we visited so many places including the well-known Chelsea Market with its numerous shops and their shelves filled with goodies; foods, wines, sea foods, artworks, books and postal cards. It was time to take our break and this was the ideal place to be. Everyone went on his way with a belly to fill through a delicate mouth, however; like a bee that always goes back to its preferred nectar and pollen flower, after eating we all, one by one converged to the same destination, a ice cream place to choose our favorites; mango, cherry, coconut, raisin, vanilla, banana. Once, we finished we walked up to the To High Line, a subway tracks converted to a beautiful suspended well-designed garden, a long boardwalk, well-garnished flowers, sunbathed visitors and more. According to (BG, page 188)"Beginning in the late 1990s, a local advocacy group defeated proposals for demolition and at present time, a park is being constructed over the 1.6 miles between West 16th and West 30th Sts. The luxury buildings by celebrated architects that are being designed along the route will alter the humble Chelsea skyline." And, finally came our time to tour Chelsea's galleries.
The Wrinkles of the City, Havana - Cuba by JR and Jose Parla...
We visited several museums exhibiting all types of arts; portraits, drawings, decorative vases, sculptures and paintings. "The Wrinkles of Havana, Cuba", exhibited at the gallery Bryce Wolkowitz personally caught my attention. The artists JR and Jose Parla worked together in a commission project for the celebration of the 11th Havana Biennial which i believed was fabulous. In fact, they were a dozen of pieces in exhibition. I selected six of them to post on my website...
JR and Parla are among the most influential Street artists. JR is a French native. Whereas, Parla is Cuban descent. Both traveled to Cuba to meet , interview, and photograph several seniors who lived through the Cuban revolution, and the portrait of their subjects were painted in black-and-white on the walls of Havana building. According to Bryce Wolkowitz, Parla"interlaces the images with palimpsestic, calligraphic writings and color". (www.brycewolkowitz.com)
I will restraint myself from any political statement. However, this is a perfect example of the power of arts. These common citizens through the medium of painting were able to have their pictures exposed on the walls of city buildings, a privilege mostly reserved to political figures in Cuba like Fidel and Raul Castro...A resolution of the United Nations would not be able to do so.
New York Immigrant
There is no better place to start talking about immigration in New York than the Lower East Side, and visiting Little Italy, Chinatown, etc. We started the day by running the B and F trains to make our first stop at The Essex Street Market in Lower East Side. It is a market built in 1940 during LaGuardia tenure as Mayor of New York. It covers a large area, and offering products of different tastes to different ethnics which reflect the diversity of the neighborhood. In fact, the Blue Guide New York cannot be more forthcoming in the description of the Market. "Occupying the block of Essex St from Delancey to Rivington Sts is the Essex Street Market . Built in 1940 to house pushcart peddlers whom Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia legislated the streets, the market offers foods for all tastes - Latino, Jewish, and upscale urbanite." (BG.page 123)
Then, came Jim, our tour guide. He is very knowledgeable of the city history and was capable to lecture us about different settlements, the history of tenements, and deep details on the Henry Street Tenement which was founded by Lilian Wald a compassionate and lovely nurse who provided health to the poor immigrants of the city. Her job was remarkable, and we can cite the Blue Guide New York, " Awakened to a sense of vocation by a visit to an immigrant home, she moved to a fifth floor walk up at 27 Jefferson St and began her rounds, fighting ignorance, disease, malnutrition, rats and bigotry. Also, Jim mentioned that at one point Lower Manhattan was the world most populated area, surpassed Bombay. Moreover, during our tour we observed some vestiges of the first Jewish Synagogues, settlement library.
We dined at a Thailand restaurant, the food was delicious, and it was my first experience with Thai cuisine and I was not disappointed. We went to Chinatown which is the home of the largest population of Chinese in the Western Hemisphere, and one of the city oldest enclaves. According to (BG, page 107) " 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."
Then, came Jim, our tour guide. He is very knowledgeable of the city history and was capable to lecture us about different settlements, the history of tenements, and deep details on the Henry Street Tenement which was founded by Lilian Wald a compassionate and lovely nurse who provided health to the poor immigrants of the city. Her job was remarkable, and we can cite the Blue Guide New York, " Awakened to a sense of vocation by a visit to an immigrant home, she moved to a fifth floor walk up at 27 Jefferson St and began her rounds, fighting ignorance, disease, malnutrition, rats and bigotry. Also, Jim mentioned that at one point Lower Manhattan was the world most populated area, surpassed Bombay. Moreover, during our tour we observed some vestiges of the first Jewish Synagogues, settlement library.
We dined at a Thailand restaurant, the food was delicious, and it was my first experience with Thai cuisine and I was not disappointed. We went to Chinatown which is the home of the largest population of Chinese in the Western Hemisphere, and one of the city oldest enclaves. According to (BG, page 107) " 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."
I walked Through New York
visiting East to West side
exploring scenics
that can inspire my thoughts
and glaring my eyes.
And, the city never sleeps!
we can go party;
all night long, until morning
DJ! play the hits
we gonna rock the dance floor
play them all; Hip Hop..
Reggaeton, Salsa, Cha Cha
Merengue, Kompa.
please! no discrimination
yes, one world one love.
Carlos Desir, June 2013.
visiting East to West side
exploring scenics
that can inspire my thoughts
and glaring my eyes.
And, the city never sleeps!
we can go party;
all night long, until morning
DJ! play the hits
we gonna rock the dance floor
play them all; Hip Hop..
Reggaeton, Salsa, Cha Cha
Merengue, Kompa.
please! no discrimination
yes, one world one love.
Carlos Desir, June 2013.
Quixotic Queens
Manhattan and Brooklyn are considered by so many as the most known boroughs in the City of New York. However, Queens is the largest one and the second in population. And, moreover if New York has a reputation of a diverse city, "Queens is the most ethically diverse urban area in the world". (The NYC Experience:Queens , Retrieved June 27, 2013). The borough of Queens contains the city both major airports; JFK and LaGuardia which make of Queens one of the most congested air traffic area and the main entrance for most immigrants and tourists to come to New York. Also, it contains the Aqueduct Racetrack, the Flushing Meadow Park, the New York Mets Baseball Field, The Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. Queens hosts the country most prestigious tennis competition, the U.S Open.
During our excursion in Queens we visited Roosevelt Island, a narrow island laid in the New York City East River between the boroughs of Manhattan and Queens. The New York City Subway System runs to the Island, and there is a tramway system that connects the Island directly to Manhattan and offers a beautiful view of the area and an overview of the Manhattan Bridge. The Island houses the Park of Four Freedoms, the vestige of an old penitentiary and nursing school can be observed..We dined at an Indian restaurant in Queens, the food was spicy and tasted good. As we were leaving the restaurant, several of us were left behind, but we put a team effort and were able to join together at the Museum of The Moving Art. It seems to be a very interesting place. Most students were having fun; shooting their own videos, creating their own animation videos and touring the museum. I personally created a motion animation.
According to the Museum Of The Moving Images website, "The core exhibition of the Museum, behind the screen is a one-of-a-kind experience that immerses visitors in the creative and technical process of producing, promoting, and presenting films, television shows, and digital entertainment. Occupying 15,000 square feet of the Museum's second and third floors, the exhibition reveals the skills, material resources, and artistic decisions that go into making movies....The Museum maintains the nation's largest and most comprehensive collection of artifacts relating to the art, history, and technology of the moving image..." (www.movingimages.us/collection)
As the day and the course were ending we went to Long Island City, a residential and commercial neighborhood in Queens that has been one of the worst of the borough. In fact, it was Plagued with poverty, crimes, and prostitution. It has been deserted for a while, as people were moving to safer and prosperous places. There is a notable and ongoing gentrification that is taking place; some skyscrapers are being built, businesses are booming, and the neighborhood is coming back to life. I was personally amazed to see a couple gentlemen playing a soccer game, I wish I could stop by, and made them run with my skills for the ball, and definitely they would lose some weights..And we walked our way down for a contemplation of East River.
Our first meeting was in Penn Station, the borough of Manhattan. Our first destination was Coney Island in the borough of Brooklyn to complete this exciting experience, our last destination was in Queens, Long Island City. Since Queens houses the city both major airports, Should I book and Board the next plane for a well-deserved vacation after these long walking hours after this learning and interesting experience? I still don't know the answer- But, I would not finish this journal without sharing my final impressions of New York!!!
During our excursion in Queens we visited Roosevelt Island, a narrow island laid in the New York City East River between the boroughs of Manhattan and Queens. The New York City Subway System runs to the Island, and there is a tramway system that connects the Island directly to Manhattan and offers a beautiful view of the area and an overview of the Manhattan Bridge. The Island houses the Park of Four Freedoms, the vestige of an old penitentiary and nursing school can be observed..We dined at an Indian restaurant in Queens, the food was spicy and tasted good. As we were leaving the restaurant, several of us were left behind, but we put a team effort and were able to join together at the Museum of The Moving Art. It seems to be a very interesting place. Most students were having fun; shooting their own videos, creating their own animation videos and touring the museum. I personally created a motion animation.
According to the Museum Of The Moving Images website, "The core exhibition of the Museum, behind the screen is a one-of-a-kind experience that immerses visitors in the creative and technical process of producing, promoting, and presenting films, television shows, and digital entertainment. Occupying 15,000 square feet of the Museum's second and third floors, the exhibition reveals the skills, material resources, and artistic decisions that go into making movies....The Museum maintains the nation's largest and most comprehensive collection of artifacts relating to the art, history, and technology of the moving image..." (www.movingimages.us/collection)
As the day and the course were ending we went to Long Island City, a residential and commercial neighborhood in Queens that has been one of the worst of the borough. In fact, it was Plagued with poverty, crimes, and prostitution. It has been deserted for a while, as people were moving to safer and prosperous places. There is a notable and ongoing gentrification that is taking place; some skyscrapers are being built, businesses are booming, and the neighborhood is coming back to life. I was personally amazed to see a couple gentlemen playing a soccer game, I wish I could stop by, and made them run with my skills for the ball, and definitely they would lose some weights..And we walked our way down for a contemplation of East River.
Our first meeting was in Penn Station, the borough of Manhattan. Our first destination was Coney Island in the borough of Brooklyn to complete this exciting experience, our last destination was in Queens, Long Island City. Since Queens houses the city both major airports, Should I book and Board the next plane for a well-deserved vacation after these long walking hours after this learning and interesting experience? I still don't know the answer- But, I would not finish this journal without sharing my final impressions of New York!!!
Final Impressions of New York...
New York is a magnificent and fascinating city and one of the best in the world with so much to offer. It has so many places to visit; museums, parks, libraries, community gardens, aquariums, shopping centers and some fine restaurants. The subway system is the best in the country and one of the best in the world. . "The city never sleeps" is not an empty slogan, but the ability of the city to offer leisure and pleasures continuously.
Most cities in America have no nocturnal activities, and people can't go anywhere, unless they drive. However, in New York the transportation system; train and buses may be run limited at night, but there is always a ride available, and moreover, there are so many taxi services available. . The city is diverse, and each ethnic group brings a piece to the puzzle to make it unique and fabulous. One can walk blocks by blocks, neighborhoods to neighborhoods to choose among several cuisines, French, Italian, American, continental or oriental and more....
New York is the world's financial capital and the lungs of American economy, when New York sneezes financially, the remaining cities in the country are complaining of cold and cough instantly.
Nevertheless, the cosmopolitan and metropolis of the city come with a price, the tax rate is high and the cost of leaving is not affordable to some of its residents. Therefore, while New York has so much to offer, some of its residents are left out and unable to enjoy their city.
Most cities in America have no nocturnal activities, and people can't go anywhere, unless they drive. However, in New York the transportation system; train and buses may be run limited at night, but there is always a ride available, and moreover, there are so many taxi services available. . The city is diverse, and each ethnic group brings a piece to the puzzle to make it unique and fabulous. One can walk blocks by blocks, neighborhoods to neighborhoods to choose among several cuisines, French, Italian, American, continental or oriental and more....
New York is the world's financial capital and the lungs of American economy, when New York sneezes financially, the remaining cities in the country are complaining of cold and cough instantly.
Nevertheless, the cosmopolitan and metropolis of the city come with a price, the tax rate is high and the cost of leaving is not affordable to some of its residents. Therefore, while New York has so much to offer, some of its residents are left out and unable to enjoy their city.