Throughout this class I have learned how the neighborhoods have change due to tourism and how they have developed with the help of tourist’s interest in the neighborhood. It has challenged me to think beyond what I see. Throughout this class I have enjoyed our field trip going out to see parts of New York that I have not seen myself or challenge myself to find places that I have visited before.

My admission pass were a piece of artwork I could take home without paying for.

In front of the museum

Untitled (Night Train)- David Hammons

The Last Supper- Andy Warhol

Screwarch Bridge- Claes Oldenburg

Tribulations of Saint Anthony- James Ensor

We took a trip to downtown Manhattan to explore what tourist came to see and down while in New York City. We observed the highlights of the downtown area and read the plaque on the wall of some of the buildings.

We meet at the Staten Island Ferry where it is a place to go to for those who want to see the Statue Liberty without paying a fee. We walked by Ann Seton’s Shrine who was the first born saint in America. Then we walked to Fraunces Tavern, which is one of George Washington’s drinking spots. There were three plaques on the building, one from the New York City Landmark Society, the second from the National Register of Historical Places and lastly a plaque to memorialize Fraunces Tavern Tallmadge himself. According to the plaques, it was place where George Washington held his farewell gathering after the Revolutionary War in December 4, 1783. Fraunces was an American patriot who aided American prisoners of war as well as assisted in hosting the Sons of Liberty meeting in the tavern. I did not realize that above the restaurant was a small museum that cost $7 to go and see what is up there.

We continued you back to the Custom House or better known as the National Museum of the American Indian. It is free museum that displays the history of the Native Americans who once lived here. I have entered this museum either, but I plan on one day walking in there to educated myself on the culture and appreciate their works of art.

We walked past the famous Charging Bull and Brave Girl. The statue of the Brave girl was smaller than I thought and was a heavy populated spot for tourist to gather to take pictures while downtown. I am glad they kept her at in front of the Charging Bull. I like the message they are trying to spread through her, that we should stand up to our opponents no matter how large or face our fears. There are other interpretations of why she was placed there in the first place. Either way, I am happy that she a new addition to Downtown’s collection.

We traveled through the Canyons of Heroes that consisted of people who did great things, it is our version of walk of fame without the stars and celebrities. Back in the day we used to throw ticket tape, which was strips of paper that people used to send to each other before we had mobile phones. Now we throw confetti out the window for the parade.

Our last stop was World Trade Center and Brookfield place. I think the Occulus is bit strange way to memorialize those who passed away on 9/11, but it is justified of all the shops inside to attract tourist to the location. The sculpture is supposed to represent a bird in flight. When you are up in the One World Observation Deck it looks more like a dinosaur creature. At the actually memorial the location is peacefully and I like how they have the waterfall that is always running unless the weather is bad. There is a sense of peace and sadness in the air as people come to pay their respects. Some people noticed flowers that have been inserted into the names of those who lost their lives. The white flowers represent that it is their birthday and the red represents an anniversary. It is sad, but it is a nice gesture to keep them in mind on their special day as if they were still with us.

I have always liked to go the Brookfield place even when it is cold. The public space is lovely. When it summer there are more activities to do and things to see like the wealthy people bringing out their yachts to park it at the dock or the free concerts inside. There is always something going on either inside or outside. I like sitting by the water when the sunsets. It is lovely especially with the waves churning and splashing into the dock. It is just a very calming feeling sitting at Brookfield place.

I went to the Metropolitan when I was first in New York in 2012. I remember after entering the heavy entrance doors the feeling of being overwhelmed. There were so many people and school groups. After my family and I got our tickets, going to see the actually exhibit was another overwhelming experience. There was just so much to see and different period rooms to explore. When I heard we going to go as a group, I was excited to go back to see the other exhibits I did not see last time. But so many things have changed since my last visit.

Ensemble autumn/ winter for 1984-1985 by Mugler, French

Evening Dress by Thierry Mugler

As we lead by Robert, the manager of food and beverage in the MET, he walked us through the Heavenly Bodies exhibit. There was the soft tones of organ playing in the background. I felt so peaceful even as the there crowds of people to weave through. It was organized chaos as people would just stop to take pictures or just stop to observe the exhibit.

Heavenly Bodies Exhibit

The Heavenly Bodies Fashion exhibit was probably one of favorites during this visit to the MET. I liked how they utilized the whole space to feel like we were in church.

Wood carving

I have been to DUMBO many times but did not notice this particular building . I noticed how most of the tourist in the area walked by the building like it was just an ordinary building. If you did not know the history of the building then anyone would walk by. When I used to be a tour guide it was hard to point out buildings at night since it was so dark. I wish I could have mentioned this building so it would be appreciated by tourist as well as locals who come by the area during the summer time.  I like how the building was converted into livable space.

Eagle Warehouse & Storage Company- Arch

We as the class, took the ferry to North Williamsburg. I have always wanted to try the ferry to experience it. When I first read about it in the AM paper, I thought it was a great for locals to be exposed to more of our changing city. It will also allow tourist to experience more of New York City. As the summer is finally arriving, I believe that with the accessibility the ferry brings to areas that would be too far from the subway stations or long wait for MTA buses, it will allow more growth for those communities.

North Williamsburg

When we walked through north Williamsburg, it was contrast of old and new. I like how some of the community is still the brick and hollowed out factories, while others are the new transparent luxury apartments. I think it brings the neighborhood some character and sets its roots of how it used to be. I believe in a few more years the pictures we took during our trip and future trips will look completely different.

Manhattan skyline

As we reached Domino park, the scenery was amazing. I could see how the neighborhood would utilize this public space for the growing families that can afford the neighborhood or the walk to the park.

Walking in Domino Park

From the article provided in class, Domino park was designed to preserve the Domino factory pieces to enhance the park. It was designed by the same person who designed the High Line park. James Corner Field is a true artist to blend the industrial history with a modern twist. While exploring the park there was a water fountain for the visitors and even our furry friends. As we hydrate or drinking at Taco Chino, restrooms were either closed or not available until after a certain time. I did notice the outhouse trailers, but they were closed upon our visit. In the park there weren’t any actual restrooms built on the premises and with summer finally here, I wonder how that will work out with the young children.

Domino Sugar Factory

The Domino Sugar Factory building was probably my favorite building we discovered today. Even though it look haunted or truly abandoned, I can see the potential of what it could become. If the walls could talk there would be stories of tough times in the building and of its workers who endured the long hours. I really hope they stay true to their word and keep the building structure. I think it would a really cool office space one day. It would have the amazing views of Manhattan and glimmering East River below.