Impressions of NY
What to expect? I am not really sure! Everyone always says that NY city is the place to be, the "Big Apple", where all the smells come to life, the tastes are intense and that there is nothing like the sounds of the streets of NY…
I have lived in Long Island for the past four years and although I have been to NY city many times, I still feel very intimidated by its streets, the feeling that I will get lost and perhaps, that I will not be able to find my way back into the crazy metro lines.
I have always been a country person, I enjoy being alone and every time I looked for a place to live in the past I try my hardest to be as far away from the city as possible. I like seclusion. Occasionally I venture out into the city to go to my favorite restaurant "Plataforma - Brazilian Churrascaria", however, the only reason why I do so is because it reminds me so much of my hometown food in Brazil.
When I am in the city I feel that there are many people that act sort of crazy, some talk to themselves, some are loud, some are homeless, some are passing by. People are always walking so fast and bumping into you if you happen to be standing still. There is always a rush and a hurry to get somewhere, to make the train, to get to work…I am not trying to say that the suburbs of Long Island aren't rushed, but at least is not as visible as it is in the streets of NY. I enjoy quiet and am interested in knowing what it takes to persuay me to have a different feeling towards the city.
It is exciting to know I will finally understand better what it is that NY really means… although I am really nervous for all that it is yet to come as it is described on any, INY 9-11. However, open minded to accept the new experience. I am willing to take the challenge, to take the "Big Apple" for all that it is, to live through the smells and sounds, to embrace its streets and its mysteries.
I don't believe I have ever been so excited to get started on a class as I am to start this one.
I have lived in Long Island for the past four years and although I have been to NY city many times, I still feel very intimidated by its streets, the feeling that I will get lost and perhaps, that I will not be able to find my way back into the crazy metro lines.
I have always been a country person, I enjoy being alone and every time I looked for a place to live in the past I try my hardest to be as far away from the city as possible. I like seclusion. Occasionally I venture out into the city to go to my favorite restaurant "Plataforma - Brazilian Churrascaria", however, the only reason why I do so is because it reminds me so much of my hometown food in Brazil.
When I am in the city I feel that there are many people that act sort of crazy, some talk to themselves, some are loud, some are homeless, some are passing by. People are always walking so fast and bumping into you if you happen to be standing still. There is always a rush and a hurry to get somewhere, to make the train, to get to work…I am not trying to say that the suburbs of Long Island aren't rushed, but at least is not as visible as it is in the streets of NY. I enjoy quiet and am interested in knowing what it takes to persuay me to have a different feeling towards the city.
It is exciting to know I will finally understand better what it is that NY really means… although I am really nervous for all that it is yet to come as it is described on any, INY 9-11. However, open minded to accept the new experience. I am willing to take the challenge, to take the "Big Apple" for all that it is, to live through the smells and sounds, to embrace its streets and its mysteries.
I don't believe I have ever been so excited to get started on a class as I am to start this one.
Queens
Sayville train station…on a morning that begun with rain drops.
Where do I begin?
So I read that if Queens was to be an independent city, it would then be the forth most populated in the U.S. Is it really all that big? Well, It does have two of the biggest airports in NY... JFK and LaGuardia! But why the name Queens one may ask, it is because of princess Catherine of Braganza, who at the time was the queen of England, Ireland and Scotland, which contributed to the heavy immigrant masses living in the borough of Queens.
In the begginings of our walks we started comparing the two most transited train stations of New York City...
I had never before compared Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal until it was pointed it out by Mike. I just knew that trains came and went from both places, however, once the grandiosity of Grand Central was pointed out and compared to Penn Station's mess of in-and-out pathways is when I realized the beauty of the terminal. The painted ceilings, the clock, the floors…"an imposing architecture and welcoming ambiance" ENY-48.
Penn Station serves about 600,000 people every single day ENY-29, located between 7th and 8th ave and between 31st and 33rd st in Midtown Manhattan. It is an underground train station that it is massive and complex and it sits below the Madison Square Garden. Grand Central Terminal is located at 42nd street and Park Ave in Midtown Manhattan. It is of service to a massive amount of passengers and to be more precise…about 700,000 people a day passes throughout this station. Different from Penn Station, it features meticulously detailed ceilings, with crafted spaces that are beautiful to look at. It makes one feel as if they can come and stay and enjoy the area provided by the train station instead of being just a passing by spot, which is how one feels if they are waiting for a train at Penn Station. Grand Central has also a beautiful clock that it is 13 feet in diameter and represents the world's largest example of Tiffany's glass INY50.
So I read that if Queens was to be an independent city, it would then be the forth most populated in the U.S. Is it really all that big? Well, It does have two of the biggest airports in NY... JFK and LaGuardia! But why the name Queens one may ask, it is because of princess Catherine of Braganza, who at the time was the queen of England, Ireland and Scotland, which contributed to the heavy immigrant masses living in the borough of Queens.
In the begginings of our walks we started comparing the two most transited train stations of New York City...
I had never before compared Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal until it was pointed it out by Mike. I just knew that trains came and went from both places, however, once the grandiosity of Grand Central was pointed out and compared to Penn Station's mess of in-and-out pathways is when I realized the beauty of the terminal. The painted ceilings, the clock, the floors…"an imposing architecture and welcoming ambiance" ENY-48.
Penn Station serves about 600,000 people every single day ENY-29, located between 7th and 8th ave and between 31st and 33rd st in Midtown Manhattan. It is an underground train station that it is massive and complex and it sits below the Madison Square Garden. Grand Central Terminal is located at 42nd street and Park Ave in Midtown Manhattan. It is of service to a massive amount of passengers and to be more precise…about 700,000 people a day passes throughout this station. Different from Penn Station, it features meticulously detailed ceilings, with crafted spaces that are beautiful to look at. It makes one feel as if they can come and stay and enjoy the area provided by the train station instead of being just a passing by spot, which is how one feels if they are waiting for a train at Penn Station. Grand Central has also a beautiful clock that it is 13 feet in diameter and represents the world's largest example of Tiffany's glass INY50.
Amazing gorgeous details of Grand Central Terminal.
Controlled caos at Penn Station.
We saw so many amazing buildings that it makes it hard to pick which one to talk about it. One that really made an impression on me was the G.E. Building on 49th street.This Art Deco Skyscraper made a singular impression on me once its features were pointed out. It is just so easy to walk by buildings like this one without ever noticing its grandiosity. However, once the details are pointed out, one can'e never forget.
The power at the hands of man…the ability to hold and contain electricity and what that actually mean is embedded in the architecture of this building. This building was completed in 1933, and what the very first one to have all of its elevators grouped in the central core of the building. In 1985 it became one of NY City's official landmarks. Right above the main entrance there is a saying: " Wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times". It's lobby has beautiful materials with details in black and beige ornaments that becomes more dramatic by the design of the lightening. The building is covered in granite with an Indiana Limestone facade and aluminum panels…Unbelievable! The detail of the hand holding the lightening can be seeing in the picture below.
The power at the hands of man…the ability to hold and contain electricity and what that actually mean is embedded in the architecture of this building. This building was completed in 1933, and what the very first one to have all of its elevators grouped in the central core of the building. In 1985 it became one of NY City's official landmarks. Right above the main entrance there is a saying: " Wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times". It's lobby has beautiful materials with details in black and beige ornaments that becomes more dramatic by the design of the lightening. The building is covered in granite with an Indiana Limestone facade and aluminum panels…Unbelievable! The detail of the hand holding the lightening can be seeing in the picture below.
Detail from outside of the G.E. Building, Art Deco Skyscraper that makes an impression.
One more very impressive building, that we had the chance to visit, was the Daily News Building. Another Art-Deco Skyscraper that contains a massive globe at its lobby. I had heard about the globe before, but I didn't even know where it was located exactly. It was fun to look for my country (Brazil) while the gigantic blue ball span around. I also enjoyed the readings at the steps below the globe. There were some very interesting facts to read as I have captured the one I liked most at the below picture. ENY-52
It is located on 42nd st between 2nd and 3rd ave. It was built in the 1930's and was the very first home of the New York Daily News newspaper until 1995. This was one of the very first skyscrapers to be built without the famous ornamental crown that the other skyscrapers had. Its lobby has a black domed ceiling and houses the massive globe. The globe used to be kept up to date however it hasn't been updated for a while
How much I would love to have entered this building as a child…I could spend much time there looking at all the countries. This is a site I will for sure bring my sons to see because they are vey much so into finding out more about countries and their locations. Will for sure be on my list of places to stop by and share with them in the next trip I take with into the city.
It is located on 42nd st between 2nd and 3rd ave. It was built in the 1930's and was the very first home of the New York Daily News newspaper until 1995. This was one of the very first skyscrapers to be built without the famous ornamental crown that the other skyscrapers had. Its lobby has a black domed ceiling and houses the massive globe. The globe used to be kept up to date however it hasn't been updated for a while
How much I would love to have entered this building as a child…I could spend much time there looking at all the countries. This is a site I will for sure bring my sons to see because they are vey much so into finding out more about countries and their locations. Will for sure be on my list of places to stop by and share with them in the next trip I take with into the city.
The experience of walking throughout the streets of Midtown NY can't be compared. Between the beautiful parks and the amazing views of the city from across the river is what made this first day singular.
Some of the views I saw today are like the ones in movies and postcards I used to see growing up back in my country. The skyscrapers form an amazing skyline that although it wasn't not planned exactly it just fits. in the midst of all the chaos of the city, a tourist or resident of the area can just take a few steps back, look at the surroundings and become completely breath-taken by the sculpture that all the buildings provide.
The fatigue of walking for many miles was put aside every time we got to experience another breath-taking view that many people around the world only wish they could see and that we are lucky enough to have it within our reach. I can't wait to see what else is to come.
Some of the views I saw today are like the ones in movies and postcards I used to see growing up back in my country. The skyscrapers form an amazing skyline that although it wasn't not planned exactly it just fits. in the midst of all the chaos of the city, a tourist or resident of the area can just take a few steps back, look at the surroundings and become completely breath-taken by the sculpture that all the buildings provide.
The fatigue of walking for many miles was put aside every time we got to experience another breath-taking view that many people around the world only wish they could see and that we are lucky enough to have it within our reach. I can't wait to see what else is to come.
Brooklyn
Day 2 of this amazing NY City Experience…Brooklyn Heights and Coney Island. Lots of walking, many miles conquered, exhausted at the end of the day, however I would not change a single thing. We had the chance of starting off the day by taking the subway to Coney Island also known as the "Rabbit Island" ENY 116 (although I didn't get to see any).
Brooklyn is the mostly populated of all five boroughs. If Brooklyn was to become independent today it would be the fourth most populated city in the United States. With many neighborhoods of different ethenicities intertuwined cultures and different people. Its story begun to be written more than 350 years ago with a Dutch settlement in the 17th century on a town located along the East River called "Breucklen". It became consolidated with New York for good around 1898. ENY-122
Coney island is an area with neighborhood that t is fairly residential and has beach front to the Atlantic Ocean, it is not really an island however, it is a peninsula now because is connected to the main land by a strip of landfill. Coney island is very much so known for its amusement parks and its resorts by the seaside. It is also the home to the Brooklyn Cyclones (like the roller coaster).
Me and my fellow nursing students teamed up and decided to start off by enjoying an amazing sausage, garlic and fresh mozzarella pie at Gramaldi's followed by a stomach churning ride at the 85 foot tall Cyclone roller-coaster ride. ENY- 117.
Brooklyn is the mostly populated of all five boroughs. If Brooklyn was to become independent today it would be the fourth most populated city in the United States. With many neighborhoods of different ethenicities intertuwined cultures and different people. Its story begun to be written more than 350 years ago with a Dutch settlement in the 17th century on a town located along the East River called "Breucklen". It became consolidated with New York for good around 1898. ENY-122
Coney island is an area with neighborhood that t is fairly residential and has beach front to the Atlantic Ocean, it is not really an island however, it is a peninsula now because is connected to the main land by a strip of landfill. Coney island is very much so known for its amusement parks and its resorts by the seaside. It is also the home to the Brooklyn Cyclones (like the roller coaster).
Me and my fellow nursing students teamed up and decided to start off by enjoying an amazing sausage, garlic and fresh mozzarella pie at Gramaldi's followed by a stomach churning ride at the 85 foot tall Cyclone roller-coaster ride. ENY- 117.
Following stop was the New York Transit Museum…who would of thought that the subways and trains we use today evolved from such wagons? Amazing details from the past were marked by wicker seats, interesting ceiling fans, even more interesting light bulbs and really funny advertisements that marked the year the particular cart was built and used. Even the turn-styles made of wood were so bulky and different. Some train carts looked like they were painted with colors now-a-days used at psychiatric holding rooms.
This museum displays many historical parts of the New York City Subway and commuter rail, it is located at Court Street (former subway station) in Brooklyn Heights. It was opened to the public at first in 1976 ( Fun fact: at the day of its opening the admittance to the museum was one subway token). The cars that had been preserved from its glorious days were lined accordingly by its years of circulation on the now decommissioned underground station. It was so popular with the public that it became a permanent museum.
Its entrance is located at the corner of Boerum Place and Schemerhorn Street. In the lobby there are many informational accents that shows the visitor how the train stations were built and what it took to make it what it is today. Picture posters and some very interesting artifacts make the visit very much so interesting to those who previously knew nothing about trains.
At the lower platform is when a guest can then see the historical cars, and most of those cars are still operable and can be used still from time to time in subway excursion runs. The trains are easy to bring nostalgia to train lovers…Now which little boy that grows up watching Thomas The Train wouldn't love to be part of a pass by through this museum?
This museum displays many historical parts of the New York City Subway and commuter rail, it is located at Court Street (former subway station) in Brooklyn Heights. It was opened to the public at first in 1976 ( Fun fact: at the day of its opening the admittance to the museum was one subway token). The cars that had been preserved from its glorious days were lined accordingly by its years of circulation on the now decommissioned underground station. It was so popular with the public that it became a permanent museum.
Its entrance is located at the corner of Boerum Place and Schemerhorn Street. In the lobby there are many informational accents that shows the visitor how the train stations were built and what it took to make it what it is today. Picture posters and some very interesting artifacts make the visit very much so interesting to those who previously knew nothing about trains.
At the lower platform is when a guest can then see the historical cars, and most of those cars are still operable and can be used still from time to time in subway excursion runs. The trains are easy to bring nostalgia to train lovers…Now which little boy that grows up watching Thomas The Train wouldn't love to be part of a pass by through this museum?
As we headed back we were able to experience the walk between the most amazing of Brooklyn Heights' residences (brown-stone buildings). We saw quiet neighborhoods hidden amongst the chaotic city living. Absolutely beautiful residences… full of luscious green trees and rose bushes, a true hidden treasure in the streets of Brooklyn.
Brownstone was once a very popular building material, called rowhouses, the residences that used such material in its construction are now a big staple of NY, most specially in the Brooklyn area. In my memories growing up I always remember watching movies where the actors portrayed life in the brownstone homes and neighborhoods, specially sitting and talking at its steps.
Brownstone was once a very popular building material, called rowhouses, the residences that used such material in its construction are now a big staple of NY, most specially in the Brooklyn area. In my memories growing up I always remember watching movies where the actors portrayed life in the brownstone homes and neighborhoods, specially sitting and talking at its steps.
To end the day we walked down by the Brooklyn Bridge enjoying its history and the hidden area right below where is going to be a beautiful recreation area in the future to come.
This massive structure captured my attention so much that I decided to read a lot about it. The construction of the bridge began in 1869 and took very long fourteen years to be completed. The great idea for the construction of such massive monument at the time, was initiated by a German immigrant named John Augustus Roebling, he had taken the ferry to go across the East River. John was an immigrant that had worked for the Prussian government as a bridge builder. He had taken the ferry at a time where there was ice in the river and the boat got stuck. The Brooklyn Bridge was officially open to the public on May 24, 1883 at about 2:00 p.m. The day of the opening, was a very busy one, about 150000 people attended the memorable ceremony. Every person was charged $0.1 to cross. At about 5 p.m. of the same day the bridgewas then open for vehicles, which were charged $0.5 each.
We enjoyed the amazing view of the East River and the little cafe-like ambiance being created by the shops and tourists sitting by the water. After enjoying that we had the chance to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy the view from up top the bridge we all drive thru but never really walk it.We enjoyed the amazing view of the East River and the little cafe-like ambiance being created by the shops and tourists sitting by the water.
Amazing day with many memories to share with family and friends!
This massive structure captured my attention so much that I decided to read a lot about it. The construction of the bridge began in 1869 and took very long fourteen years to be completed. The great idea for the construction of such massive monument at the time, was initiated by a German immigrant named John Augustus Roebling, he had taken the ferry to go across the East River. John was an immigrant that had worked for the Prussian government as a bridge builder. He had taken the ferry at a time where there was ice in the river and the boat got stuck. The Brooklyn Bridge was officially open to the public on May 24, 1883 at about 2:00 p.m. The day of the opening, was a very busy one, about 150000 people attended the memorable ceremony. Every person was charged $0.1 to cross. At about 5 p.m. of the same day the bridgewas then open for vehicles, which were charged $0.5 each.
We enjoyed the amazing view of the East River and the little cafe-like ambiance being created by the shops and tourists sitting by the water. After enjoying that we had the chance to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy the view from up top the bridge we all drive thru but never really walk it.We enjoyed the amazing view of the East River and the little cafe-like ambiance being created by the shops and tourists sitting by the water.
Amazing day with many memories to share with family and friends!
The Village
The day was a bit more mallow than the others as we started by walking through Chelsea. This area is located at the West side of Manhattan and has a very diverse atmosphere and mixed buildings consisting of rowhouses, retail businesses and many apartments. We also had the opportunity to walk the High Line. This amazing one mile long section used to be the West Side Line railroad and now is a green pathway containing plants native to the area. It runs from the Meatpacking District to 30th st. Because of the development of such a beautiful space, the area became a very prized real state location.
A bit more towards the Western part of Chelsea we saw some interesting (I guess different) galleries as this area has become the New York art world being visited by many important people. Some of the galleries were located in new buildings as others were warehouse like spaces.
Although we saw quite a few galleries, it was hard for me to actually understand the meaning of what the artist was really trying to convey. Perhaps the one artist that made me more confused was Katja Loher. Her videos were projected into shiny see-thru spheres. Some of the spheres were hanging from the ceiling and others were on the walls. As you looked into them they had video-sculptures and choreographies with people dressed as bugs, insects and even animals. I could not quite understand the phantasy or reality she was trying to create.
The gallery that was most shocking was the one created by Simon Lee projecting Larry Clark. His artwork projected disturbing pictures of sexuality and nudity mixed with drugs. Perhaps his straightforward means, like his snapshots are so provoking that instantly can cause a reaction on the viewer. Simon can be so straightforward that it is almost unnerving and a bit "too direct" it becomes somewhat mysterious.
A bit more towards the Western part of Chelsea we saw some interesting (I guess different) galleries as this area has become the New York art world being visited by many important people. Some of the galleries were located in new buildings as others were warehouse like spaces.
Although we saw quite a few galleries, it was hard for me to actually understand the meaning of what the artist was really trying to convey. Perhaps the one artist that made me more confused was Katja Loher. Her videos were projected into shiny see-thru spheres. Some of the spheres were hanging from the ceiling and others were on the walls. As you looked into them they had video-sculptures and choreographies with people dressed as bugs, insects and even animals. I could not quite understand the phantasy or reality she was trying to create.
The gallery that was most shocking was the one created by Simon Lee projecting Larry Clark. His artwork projected disturbing pictures of sexuality and nudity mixed with drugs. Perhaps his straightforward means, like his snapshots are so provoking that instantly can cause a reaction on the viewer. Simon can be so straightforward that it is almost unnerving and a bit "too direct" it becomes somewhat mysterious.
The Greenwich Village is another neighborhood that we got to walk through. IT is centered around Washington Square and NYU. The area is home to the Jefferson Market Garden. This famous garden provides an escape from the city and it is filled with amazing greenary. Originally, in the early 19th century was used as a marketplace where local residents would come to make their weekly purchases. It was born out of the community activism and enthusiasm. Today only a garden remains but it is still maintained by volunteers effort and support from passing by visitors.
Nothing so far has captured me more than the Old Merchants House of New York. I have a complete passion for old homes and its history. A beautiful surviving piece of history, and an example of architecture from its period, this house has become a National Landmark. It possesses a Federal style brick exterior and Greek Revival interior with stunning plasterwork at its glorious front entertaining rooms. ENY-109
Originally this house was occupied by the Tredwell family. Ordinary family, not famous, not extremely important, just normal residents of the area, that is what makes for a remarkable depiction of everyday life for the time they lived on. In 1798 Seabury Tredwell came into the city to seek his fortune, starting first as a hardware businessman and building on from there. The family this man built left behind a preserved piece of time capsule contained within a building. Occupied by the Tredwell family for nearly 100 years, this house was left with its beautiful furnishings, decorative arts and personal possessions for many to come and admire.
Originally this house was occupied by the Tredwell family. Ordinary family, not famous, not extremely important, just normal residents of the area, that is what makes for a remarkable depiction of everyday life for the time they lived on. In 1798 Seabury Tredwell came into the city to seek his fortune, starting first as a hardware businessman and building on from there. The family this man built left behind a preserved piece of time capsule contained within a building. Occupied by the Tredwell family for nearly 100 years, this house was left with its beautiful furnishings, decorative arts and personal possessions for many to come and admire.
Heading towards the end of our walk we passed through Washington Square Park (ENY106-107), a landmark of Manhattan's neighborhood of Greenwich village. A huge place for cultural activities and recreation, this park is always booming with people. It has a huge open space in the middle of the chaotic city. Also known for the "Washington Arch", the park has a imposing fountain area. Most of the surrounding buildings of the park area be log now to NYU but back on the day those dame homes were of very desired preference by residents because of its proximities to the park.
Well, I have to say this was s far my favorite day in the city. We now have 4 more days to go and I m interested in seeing what is to come…I can't lie, I am very much so looking forward to the "chinatown" experience!
Well, I have to say this was s far my favorite day in the city. We now have 4 more days to go and I m interested in seeing what is to come…I can't lie, I am very much so looking forward to the "chinatown" experience!