Journal 1
Impressions of New York.
I have always been fascinated by 'the big city", especially Brooklyn where most of my Irish ancestors resided before heading out east to suburbia. The city as a whole can be viewed as a violent and scary place for a little suburban girl like myself. Especially being way out in Suffolk where there is nothing but cows and wineries. However, once you meet me, you can instantly tell I do not scare easily and I love adventure.
My view of the city has always been somewhat of an intimidated one, I can most likely attribute that to over protective parents who would shudder at the phrase "heading to the city tonight!" . Like most people, when I think of the city I think of a fast paced, busy bee, go go go type of lifestyle. So much to do its can sometimes feel overwhelming and so many questions bounce around in my head whenever I think of visiting the big apple. Where do I start? What if I get lost? Are among some of them. Also, in this busy (and expensive time) who has the time to explore all the ins and outs that our city has to offer? That's why I jumped at this rare opportunity to really learn places to explore that are essentially in my own backyard.
The city of New York is just so rich in culture and history. Rich cultural communities that reflect the varied foreign influences that
helped build this country always come to mind. Although some consider my experience in the city is vast, I feel all my experiences have been that of the touristy type. Broadway shows, sports games, concerts, the Empire State Building, and various museum's. While I enjoyed all of those experiences I've always dreamed of going deeper then the average tourist experience. I guess we shall see if this class, and NYC, meet and exceed all my expectations and impressions.
My view of the city has always been somewhat of an intimidated one, I can most likely attribute that to over protective parents who would shudder at the phrase "heading to the city tonight!" . Like most people, when I think of the city I think of a fast paced, busy bee, go go go type of lifestyle. So much to do its can sometimes feel overwhelming and so many questions bounce around in my head whenever I think of visiting the big apple. Where do I start? What if I get lost? Are among some of them. Also, in this busy (and expensive time) who has the time to explore all the ins and outs that our city has to offer? That's why I jumped at this rare opportunity to really learn places to explore that are essentially in my own backyard.
The city of New York is just so rich in culture and history. Rich cultural communities that reflect the varied foreign influences that
helped build this country always come to mind. Although some consider my experience in the city is vast, I feel all my experiences have been that of the touristy type. Broadway shows, sports games, concerts, the Empire State Building, and various museum's. While I enjoyed all of those experiences I've always dreamed of going deeper then the average tourist experience. I guess we shall see if this class, and NYC, meet and exceed all my expectations and impressions.
Quixotic Queens
The day started out really beautiful. I was excited as I hoped onto the LIRR, not really knowing what to expect when I arrived. My hour and a half train ride wasn't too bad with a fresh Pumpkin coffee and some light dozing. Soon my arrival into Penn Station where I met up with a few familiar faces and we all chatted about what we were expecting the day to hold. A quick chat with our professors, some jokes about sandals and we were off!
Our first stop was Bryant Park, where we sat around and discussed the expectations and requirements for this unusual course. We talked about paper topics and how it was of utmost importance to keep on top of our journals.
We then discussed a new topic to our ears, that of gentrification. This is essentially the rebuilding or restoring of areas that that are run down, this process, while sounds positive, it very often displaces the poor residents that can now no longer afford to populate the area.
We made a few stops on our way to queens, the next being the New York Public Library, which I had walked past plenty of times, but never stepped foot inside.
Our first stop was Bryant Park, where we sat around and discussed the expectations and requirements for this unusual course. We talked about paper topics and how it was of utmost importance to keep on top of our journals.
We then discussed a new topic to our ears, that of gentrification. This is essentially the rebuilding or restoring of areas that that are run down, this process, while sounds positive, it very often displaces the poor residents that can now no longer afford to populate the area.
We made a few stops on our way to queens, the next being the New York Public Library, which I had walked past plenty of times, but never stepped foot inside.
Our next stop was the New York Public Library, (Blue Guide, p. 207) which I had walked past plenty of times, but never actually stepped foot inside. We briefly discussed the common architectural themes that we would be seeing over and over again in NYC. The Library itself being of the Neo Classical style.
After a brief visit inside, I was amazed at the pure beauty and detail of the ceiling art work.
We also discussed a few of the other NYC architectural themes, such as Art Deco style of the in the 1930's and 1940's as well as the International Style of the 1950's and 1960's. We then stopped and visited the famous Waldorf - Astoria, a picture perfect example of Art Deco, where I felt under dressed, even in the bathroom!
After a brief visit inside, I was amazed at the pure beauty and detail of the ceiling art work.
We also discussed a few of the other NYC architectural themes, such as Art Deco style of the in the 1930's and 1940's as well as the International Style of the 1950's and 1960's. We then stopped and visited the famous Waldorf - Astoria, a picture perfect example of Art Deco, where I felt under dressed, even in the bathroom!
We then hoofed it over to 59th street, where we braved the Roosevelt Island Tram that carried us over to beautiful Roosevelt Island. (Blue Guide p.382). Like many of my classmates, I had never even known this place existed. Taking a quick break to discuss the history of the island with our professors, we then wandered and awed at some of the old buildings the island hosted, such as the very first ever NY nursing school, score! This island also hosted a truly beautiful park that gave breathtaking views of queens from the east river. Where, as often happens in NY, some kind of movie or modeling shoot was taking place, and on a day like this, I really couldn't blame them!
I snapped some beautiful panoramic shots of our view of Queens from the East River.
I snapped some beautiful panoramic shots of our view of Queens from the East River.
Food was definitely on the agenda at this point. We were all STARVING! So we headed to Jackson Heights for an authentic Indian Buffet. I for one, definitely sampled all the options as I have been known to be an adventurous eater.
Our next stop after stuffing our faces was the Museum of Moving Image. This place was truly fascinating to me. Having never known Astoria to be a center of the film making industry (Blue Guide, p. 499). The Museum maintains a significant collection of moving-image related
artifacts as well as quite a few interactive stations where you can do voice overs, stop motion
animation, video flip books.
I thought all of these features were really well done, having more time here would have really been fun! I loved many aspects of the museum, especially the masks and various film costumes. Being a fan of football, watching the video of badlipreading.com I couldnt even contain myself, I just had to laugh outloud.
One of the coolest exhibits in my opinion was that of a 3D "Flip Book" of which I have a video below!
artifacts as well as quite a few interactive stations where you can do voice overs, stop motion
animation, video flip books.
I thought all of these features were really well done, having more time here would have really been fun! I loved many aspects of the museum, especially the masks and various film costumes. Being a fan of football, watching the video of badlipreading.com I couldnt even contain myself, I just had to laugh outloud.
One of the coolest exhibits in my opinion was that of a 3D "Flip Book" of which I have a video below!
PS1 (Blue Guide p.495), a contemporary art gallery located in Long Island City was next on our list! Although we couldn't get into PS1 due to unforeseen circumstances, we did get to walk along the streets to enjoy the various graffiti that the area had to offer. Stopping in a local gallery we learned of their struggles with gentrification and the losing of their space. Upon the wall of the gallery was memories within that space that they were shortly going to lose. I felt for the artists that were now being forced out of their 'home' area.
Pointz Museum of Higher Burnin’, had amazing raw artwork to see.
Briefly we met with an artist hard at work, and as the 7 train buzzed above our heads, he explained why he continued his work even with the pending gentrification.
"Make the best of the time you got, cause POOF, you could be gone just like that"
Pointz Museum of Higher Burnin’, had amazing raw artwork to see.
Briefly we met with an artist hard at work, and as the 7 train buzzed above our heads, he explained why he continued his work even with the pending gentrification.
"Make the best of the time you got, cause POOF, you could be gone just like that"
Last stop of our journey was Long Island City and then Gantry State Park. Where we walked along the east river and marveled at the new development of million dollar apartments. Gentrification in full effect in this area for sure. Know for a fact if I had the money, Id be investing, as the potential was very clear to see.
Bodacious Brooklyn
This day started off with me rushing to the train in a frenzy! Thanks to having a 12 hour clinical the day before (what was I thinking).
Phew, made it just in time! 9:11 train from Ronkonkoma here I go! Took a nice long nap on my train ride into the city, and I was quite glad I did!
Todays agenda, Brooklyn! The name Brooklyn means "Broken Land" (Breuckelen) which was formed in the 17th century. (Blue Guide, p461) To get there from 34th street, we walked one block east to 6th avenue, which is where we got on the F train going downtown, directly to Coney Island. I have been to Coney Island on many many many occasions, mostly to watch the Brooklyn Cyclone’s play ball and watch the fireworks they offer ever Friday night.
Phew, made it just in time! 9:11 train from Ronkonkoma here I go! Took a nice long nap on my train ride into the city, and I was quite glad I did!
Todays agenda, Brooklyn! The name Brooklyn means "Broken Land" (Breuckelen) which was formed in the 17th century. (Blue Guide, p461) To get there from 34th street, we walked one block east to 6th avenue, which is where we got on the F train going downtown, directly to Coney Island. I have been to Coney Island on many many many occasions, mostly to watch the Brooklyn Cyclone’s play ball and watch the fireworks they offer ever Friday night.
The subway ride from midtown to Coney Island was supposed to be only around 45 minutes, which would've given us an hour to explore Coney Island, but instead it wound up being the longest subway ride of my life, taking over an hour and a half. Snore! After arrival Mike gave us a brief history lesson on the origins of Coney Island. We discussed its Dutch origin, its decline, its rebuild and its future gentrification.
"Coney Island was settled by the Dutch, who named it Konjin Eiland after the rabbits they found there" (Blue Guide, p492)
We meandered on the boardwalk in the bright sunshine. But unfortunately for us we didn't get a chance to ride the famous Cyclone coaster as Luna Park was closed for the season. We did, however, get to check out the original Nathan's and grab a hot dog and fries!
"Coney Island was settled by the Dutch, who named it Konjin Eiland after the rabbits they found there" (Blue Guide, p492)
We meandered on the boardwalk in the bright sunshine. But unfortunately for us we didn't get a chance to ride the famous Cyclone coaster as Luna Park was closed for the season. We did, however, get to check out the original Nathan's and grab a hot dog and fries!
The New York Transit Museum , located in downtown Brooklyn (corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street), it is an underground museum, located in an unused subway station. The station that houses the museum was originally built to be the first subway stop in Brooklyn on the Second Avenue line in 1936. It was inaugurated in 1976 for the bicentennial celebrations and proved too popular to close thereafter. [BG pg. 468]
Katherine was our tour guide at the museum, she was amazing, knowledgeable, and fun to listen to. She escorted us through an exhibit called Steel, Stone, and Backbone, which recounted the tale of building New York City's 100 year-old subway system.
Katherine was our tour guide at the museum, she was amazing, knowledgeable, and fun to listen to. She escorted us through an exhibit called Steel, Stone, and Backbone, which recounted the tale of building New York City's 100 year-old subway system.
After learning all about the progression of building the subway and the challenges and labor involved in subway construction, we were allotted some time to go and explore the rest of the museum. We got to check out the old subway cars, some of which dated back to the early 1900's.
Another point of interest was the turnstile exhibit, that hosted the first paper ticket-choppers used in 1904, some of the later turnstile designs that accepted coins and tokens, the MetroCard turnstile currently in use , where you could even check your balance!
Another point of interest was the turnstile exhibit, that hosted the first paper ticket-choppers used in 1904, some of the later turnstile designs that accepted coins and tokens, the MetroCard turnstile currently in use , where you could even check your balance!
Afterwards we made our way through Brooklyn Heights. We stopped at several locations.
One being the neoclassic, Brooklyn Borough Hall formerly known as the Brooklyn City hall, had a name change in 1898 when Brooklyn became part of the five boroughs.
Strolling through Brooklyn Heights we were awed at its quiet little communities and beautiful brownstones. We spoke briefly about the original brown stone buildings and how they used brown stones from Connecticut. In 2011 the quarry closed so it is extremely rare to find them, so the newer buildings we see today happen to just be brown cement.
Brooklyn Promenade, where the historic battle known as the Battle of Brooklyn-Long Island took place, is where we stopped next. We discussed George Washington's brilliant idea of retreating from that exact location as he admitted inevitable defeat and fled from the English. We then walked along the promenade, staring with awe at the beautiful sight of the South Street Seaport (which we visited after class) and the truly beautiful city skyline.
We made our way to Brooklyn Bridge Park, where I saw Jane’s Carousel, which was unfortunately closed for the day. However, I did snap some really lovely shots of the beautiful carousel, and got some great pictures of the Brooklyn Bridge. we made our way through DUMBO, which stands for “District Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass”. We stopped for ice cream, and I downed a scoop of salted caramel which was delish!
As you can see.. I Instagrammed up a storm :)
We then walked along the Brooklyn Bridge by foot "it opened on May 25, 1883, was the largest suspension bridge in existence, held itself above 276 feet of water, and spans 1,595 feet across the East River.” [Blue Guide p464] before ending our day.
It was exciting to walk along the bridge as I had never done so before. Almost getting run over by bicyclists was worth it!
It was exciting to walk along the bridge as I had never done so before. Almost getting run over by bicyclists was worth it!
A Tale of Three Villages
Exhausted yet again, thanks to having a rather rambunctious group of Pediatric patients on Thursday, I dragged myself out of bed and was on my way! Even though I was tired, I was actually on time today and not rushing! After a nice long hour and a half nap on the train, I was rejuvenated to hear we would be visiting the Village today. Having been a staple in my city visits since I was old enough to drink, I knew today would be long, but FUN!
“Because of its long-standing tolerance, the village had a large homosexual community for many years and has been a base for feminist and gay activists, but it also attracts middle-class and professional people who, perhaps because of the traditional Village sense of community, have frequently and visibly exercised themselves in political and social causes.” [BG pg. 129]
We took the downtown 1 train to Houston Street and started our day!
“Because of its long-standing tolerance, the village had a large homosexual community for many years and has been a base for feminist and gay activists, but it also attracts middle-class and professional people who, perhaps because of the traditional Village sense of community, have frequently and visibly exercised themselves in political and social causes.” [BG pg. 129]
We took the downtown 1 train to Houston Street and started our day!
Our first stop was the White Horse Tavern.
“Founded in 1880, the White Horse Tavern was once a watering hole for Norman Mailer, Jack Kerouac, and other writers.” [Blue Guide pg. 143]
A place I had actually heard of before, due to some ghost hunting friends who like to visit haunted places all across the city and Long Island. They say its haunted by the Irish poet, Dylan Thomas. People claim that they have seen him sitting at his favorite corner table, and then he just disappears.
We chatted about him briefly, telling the tale of how in 1952 he took 18 whiskey shots before exiting the bar. He collapsed outside, and was escorted to the Chelsea Hotel, where he fell into a coma. Thomas was pronounced dead the next morning at St. Vincent's hospital.
I love old historic places like the White Horse Tavern. They still exist in quite an abundance in the Village because they hold history and nostalgia of the decades of historic and influential people who frequented them.
“Founded in 1880, the White Horse Tavern was once a watering hole for Norman Mailer, Jack Kerouac, and other writers.” [Blue Guide pg. 143]
A place I had actually heard of before, due to some ghost hunting friends who like to visit haunted places all across the city and Long Island. They say its haunted by the Irish poet, Dylan Thomas. People claim that they have seen him sitting at his favorite corner table, and then he just disappears.
We chatted about him briefly, telling the tale of how in 1952 he took 18 whiskey shots before exiting the bar. He collapsed outside, and was escorted to the Chelsea Hotel, where he fell into a coma. Thomas was pronounced dead the next morning at St. Vincent's hospital.
I love old historic places like the White Horse Tavern. They still exist in quite an abundance in the Village because they hold history and nostalgia of the decades of historic and influential people who frequented them.
We walked along Christopher St, which was the epicenter of New York's gay rights movement in the late 1970s.
Stopping briefly in Christopher Park, we briefly marveled at the sculpture, Gay Liberation by George Segal to commemorate the gay rights traditions of the place.
Up a tiny bit further we discussed Stonewall Inn of which was the location of the Stonewall Riot on July 28, 1969.
Stopping briefly in Christopher Park, we briefly marveled at the sculpture, Gay Liberation by George Segal to commemorate the gay rights traditions of the place.
Up a tiny bit further we discussed Stonewall Inn of which was the location of the Stonewall Riot on July 28, 1969.
One of the most unique buildings in the area that we took note of was the Northern Dispensary, which is in the shape of a triangle.
Mike explained that it was once a hospital for the poor, and according to the Blue Guide,
Edgar Allen Poe was treated there for a cold in 1837. (p.130)
Heading to the East Village we went to the Merchant’s House Museum, which is located on 29 East Fourth Street. This house, now turned museum, was home to a prosperous merchant family (Treadwells) and their Irish servants. It was a really fascinating way to view how the upper half lived in 19th century Manhattan.
Our tour guide Bill, who I think was suffering from laryngitis, went into elaborate detail about the furniture and lifestyle of those who inhibited the house. As we toured the 3 level house, he explained how when the last surviving child passed away, the house was bought by a distant family member who wanted to preserve the history that it held within.
Our tour guide Bill, who I think was suffering from laryngitis, went into elaborate detail about the furniture and lifestyle of those who inhibited the house. As we toured the 3 level house, he explained how when the last surviving child passed away, the house was bought by a distant family member who wanted to preserve the history that it held within.
Personally I felt like I was walking into a time warp. Since it still held most of the family's original furnishings and personal possessions it was like stepping into a time machine.
I could very well see why it had been awarded landmark status not only for its 1832 late-Federal brick exterior but also for its Greek revival interior rooms (which focused heavily on beauty and symmetry)
My favorite furniture being that of the beautiful gasoliers, which were gaslight chandeliers, burned with gas rather than light bulbs or candles.
Our last stop in the house was the servants’ quarter on the top floor, where you could see two beds, and small plainly decorated space. Being of Irish decent myself, this made me wonder if this is what my ancestors did when they immigrated here in the 1800's.
I should also note that Merchant House is considered to be one of thee most haunted places in NYC! I didn't see any ghosts this visit, but that attic felt eerie, not going to lie!
I could very well see why it had been awarded landmark status not only for its 1832 late-Federal brick exterior but also for its Greek revival interior rooms (which focused heavily on beauty and symmetry)
My favorite furniture being that of the beautiful gasoliers, which were gaslight chandeliers, burned with gas rather than light bulbs or candles.
Our last stop in the house was the servants’ quarter on the top floor, where you could see two beds, and small plainly decorated space. Being of Irish decent myself, this made me wonder if this is what my ancestors did when they immigrated here in the 1800's.
I should also note that Merchant House is considered to be one of thee most haunted places in NYC! I didn't see any ghosts this visit, but that attic felt eerie, not going to lie!
Quick shot of one of my favorite pubs on Bleecker Street!
If you are into good craft beers from around the world, I suggest you check this place out!
8th Street and St. Mark's Place in the East Village is where we wound up for our lunch break. A truly interesting area with lots of cheap food to offer! We grabbed an outdoor seat at a BBQ joint and sipped on some frozen daiquiri's that really hit the spot!
The Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space is a museum centered on the many active movements lead in the East Village over many years. It documents the long battles by the residents to preserve some urban space for the community to enjoy. The mission of the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space (MoRUS) is "to preserve history and promote scholarship of grassroots urban space activism by researching and archiving efforts to create community spaces." And while I did find our tour guide, Bob, to be very knowledgeable, he often went off on tangents that made me dizzy trying to keep up!
We ended our tour and class in Tompkins Square Park. The ever tangential Bob went into great depth about the history of the park and the culmination of the ever so famous series of Tompkins Square Park riots in the 1980's.
As you can see.. I am very interested in what he has to say :)
After we wrapped it up, me and Carol headed back out toward the West Village to catch the tail end of Happy Hour. One of thee most valuable lessons learned in this class! See you folks next week! Cheers!
As you can see.. I am very interested in what he has to say :)
After we wrapped it up, me and Carol headed back out toward the West Village to catch the tail end of Happy Hour. One of thee most valuable lessons learned in this class! See you folks next week! Cheers!
East of The Park
Today I woke up not feeling the best, I'll admit. Apparently I had gotten something in my eye during the night and woke up with a nice swollen sclera (ooooh, nursing term), ouch! But the show must go on! So I popped some Allegra and prayed for the best! By the time I got to Penn I was certainly feeling much better, and had regained most of my vision.
So we were off to East Harlem! We took the one-uptown to 42nd street, Time Square, then caught the S-shuttle train to the 6 and up-town once again letting us off at Lexington and 103st. Where we chatted for a while and observed the clear signs of gentrification popping up all around that area. Loads upon loads of new apartment buildings were in full swing.
So we were off to East Harlem! We took the one-uptown to 42nd street, Time Square, then caught the S-shuttle train to the 6 and up-town once again letting us off at Lexington and 103st. Where we chatted for a while and observed the clear signs of gentrification popping up all around that area. Loads upon loads of new apartment buildings were in full swing.
Our first stop was at Museum of the City of New York.
We had a few minutes to see Janet Ruttenberg's beautiful Central Park paintings.
Just upstairs we wandered the second exhibit, in which we wandered and read about all the drama of social activism in New York City. I personally enjoyed the section on Perserving City Landmarks. Which talked about the destruction of Pennsylvania Station which eventually led to the 1965 preservation law.
We watched Timescapes. " A 22-minute multimedia experience, traces the growth of New York City from a settlement of a few hundred Europeans, Africans, and Native Americans to its present status as one of the world’s great cities. Created by Jake Barton of Local Projects and James Sanders."
I thought the film was really well done, perfectly concise, and held my interest the entire 22 minutes.
We had a few minutes to see Janet Ruttenberg's beautiful Central Park paintings.
Just upstairs we wandered the second exhibit, in which we wandered and read about all the drama of social activism in New York City. I personally enjoyed the section on Perserving City Landmarks. Which talked about the destruction of Pennsylvania Station which eventually led to the 1965 preservation law.
We watched Timescapes. " A 22-minute multimedia experience, traces the growth of New York City from a settlement of a few hundred Europeans, Africans, and Native Americans to its present status as one of the world’s great cities. Created by Jake Barton of Local Projects and James Sanders."
I thought the film was really well done, perfectly concise, and held my interest the entire 22 minutes.
After a brief "Classroom" visit discussing what we learned, we moved on to our next stop, the El Museo Del Barrio which was really close and just north of the New York City Museum. In the East Harlem neighborhood, on museum mile.
We split into two groups, and this is where we met our lovely tour guide, Manuela. After a brief discussion about the museum itself (the Heckcher building, which used to be an orphanage) we were off to view some of the art within the community.
We first walked over to 106th and Park Avenue to the Graffiti Hall of Fame located in in the courtyard/playground of Jackie Robinson School. She explained how this graffiti was done by rotating artists and was changed yearly.
We then stopped at a beautiful mosaic of Julia de Burgos done by Manny Vega in 2006. Julia de Burgos was an influential Puerto Rican poet and a known political activist who died 1953. She was an influential figure in East Harlem remains one of the most important figures in this community as evidenced by the street named after her, as well as recurring artwork dedicated to her.
Manuela showed us various artworks along our walk, one being another mosaic of various religious gods, as well as a wall painting of various El Barrio community members. She then took us was a community garden dedicated to the women of El Barrio. In the middle of the garden there was a beautiful mosaic fountain shaped like fallopian tubes, symbolize the femininity of the garden. At the back of the park on the side of a building, was a large beautiful painting done by artist Yasmin Hernandez of Julia de Burgos and Frida Kahlo, a famous Mexican artist with a uni-brow. As it happens, we got really lucky and wound up bumping into Yasmin Hernandez herself! She had just so happened to be giving a tour of her own. She gladly took a picture with Mike.
Upon ending our tour, Mike took us to a religious shop called La Botanica. Where we met the shops owner and marveled at the herbs, oils, and other holistic remedies the shop hosted.
We split into two groups, and this is where we met our lovely tour guide, Manuela. After a brief discussion about the museum itself (the Heckcher building, which used to be an orphanage) we were off to view some of the art within the community.
We first walked over to 106th and Park Avenue to the Graffiti Hall of Fame located in in the courtyard/playground of Jackie Robinson School. She explained how this graffiti was done by rotating artists and was changed yearly.
We then stopped at a beautiful mosaic of Julia de Burgos done by Manny Vega in 2006. Julia de Burgos was an influential Puerto Rican poet and a known political activist who died 1953. She was an influential figure in East Harlem remains one of the most important figures in this community as evidenced by the street named after her, as well as recurring artwork dedicated to her.
Manuela showed us various artworks along our walk, one being another mosaic of various religious gods, as well as a wall painting of various El Barrio community members. She then took us was a community garden dedicated to the women of El Barrio. In the middle of the garden there was a beautiful mosaic fountain shaped like fallopian tubes, symbolize the femininity of the garden. At the back of the park on the side of a building, was a large beautiful painting done by artist Yasmin Hernandez of Julia de Burgos and Frida Kahlo, a famous Mexican artist with a uni-brow. As it happens, we got really lucky and wound up bumping into Yasmin Hernandez herself! She had just so happened to be giving a tour of her own. She gladly took a picture with Mike.
Upon ending our tour, Mike took us to a religious shop called La Botanica. Where we met the shops owner and marveled at the herbs, oils, and other holistic remedies the shop hosted.
After lunch, it began! The longest walk of my life. We started our journey through Central Park.
“Central Park is the heartland of Manhattan, 843 acres set aside for the recreation of New Yorkers and visitors alike. Although the park seems “natural,” the largest surviving piece of Manhattan un-encrusted with asphalt and masonry, its landscape and scenery are completely man-made, based on designs by Fredrick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.” [Blue Guide Pg. 279]
We started by passing through the Conservatory Gardens then walked along the Central Park Reservoir. According to the official site:
"The reservoir is 40 feet deep and holds a billion gallons of water. It was built in the 1860s as a temporary water supply for New York City, while the Croton Water system was shut down for repairs two weeks each year. At the time, it was unthinkable that a billion gallons of water would last less than two weeks. Today, some speculate that the City would go through that supply in just four hours."
Here is a beautiful panoramic view of the Jackie Kennedy Onassis Reservoir ( was named for in 1994) from our walk.
“Central Park is the heartland of Manhattan, 843 acres set aside for the recreation of New Yorkers and visitors alike. Although the park seems “natural,” the largest surviving piece of Manhattan un-encrusted with asphalt and masonry, its landscape and scenery are completely man-made, based on designs by Fredrick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.” [Blue Guide Pg. 279]
We started by passing through the Conservatory Gardens then walked along the Central Park Reservoir. According to the official site:
"The reservoir is 40 feet deep and holds a billion gallons of water. It was built in the 1860s as a temporary water supply for New York City, while the Croton Water system was shut down for repairs two weeks each year. At the time, it was unthinkable that a billion gallons of water would last less than two weeks. Today, some speculate that the City would go through that supply in just four hours."
Here is a beautiful panoramic view of the Jackie Kennedy Onassis Reservoir ( was named for in 1994) from our walk.
We briefly stopped to awe at the famous Dakota where John Lennon was shot and murdered. I could tell Mike had a really strong connection to this piece of history. Maybe I will practice a Beatles song for Karaoke night? Hah!
Strawberry Fields, is a 2.5 acre piece of land near Central Park West and the 72nd street park entrance dedicated to the life of John Lennon (Blue Guide p. 290)
Strawberry Fields, is a 2.5 acre piece of land near Central Park West and the 72nd street park entrance dedicated to the life of John Lennon (Blue Guide p. 290)
We ended the day touring a few of the high end shops along 5th Avenue. We played briefly in FAO Schwarz, which a tremendous toy store. I wanted to leave with every stuffed animal there, along with pounds upon pounds of candy!