Category Archives: Place-based Learning Reflections

Visiting the MoMA

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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

     

Lower Manhattan Tour

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Fraunces Tavern

My urban tourism class and I went on a tour On June 26. We walked down lower Manhattan. To get there I took the 5 train to bowling green. It would have been better to take the R train to Whitehall street. When I arrived, I was lost I got there 10 mins late to the tour. Thank Goodness for my classmate who kept me updated on where to meet of m classmates. When the tour began I was sweating like crazy because of the weather. They started down Water Street, looking at historic buildings. I was quite fascinating to see The Watson House that was built in the 1800’s. Which was designed by John Macomb. And today it’s a Roman Catholic church.

We walked to Fraunce’s Tavern. I hardly come downtown but after this tour I learn a lot. These so many historical buildings in lower Manhattan and I didn’t realize it until now. It’s where Washington gave his farewell speech to the officers in the continental army. This was one of my favorite places Fraunce’s Tavern it’s a museum and a restaurant. Which I find cool. I walked in the building is very cool nothing I ever seen before. It felt as if the door was even the original door and even looking from the outside in was exiting. It felt like I was walking through history. I’m looking forward to coming back and hopefully touring the museum and having dinner.

Afterwards, we walked to The National Museum of the American Indian apart of the Smithsonian institution. is committed to advancing knowledge and understanding of the Native cultures of the Western Hemisphere—past, present, and future—through partnership with Native people and others. The museum works to support the continuance of culture, traditional values, and transitions in contemporary Native life. It has three facilities: The National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., which opened on September 21, 2004.

Next, we walked down Broadway past the park we spotted the charging bull statue. To me the little girl in front of the Bull symbolizes strength and power. I do understand the bull doesn’t have nothing to do with the girl. The bull represents New stock exchange. It also reminded me of the first women who is working at the New Stock exchange as a trader; she’s only 23/ It’s quite inspiring.

We then now walked towards The federal Hall and The New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street. I decided to into the federal Hall building to look around, it empty, surprisingly there was a lot people standing and sitting around it and taking loads of pictures. I decided to go in because it was free and I always walked past. It seems like there shooting a movie inside it was actually quite interesting to watch them setup as well. We moved up to the Trinity church, and the first thing I thought was that it was very brown, but it stood out. When we saw it from the Federal hall national memorial, everyone was curious about this church. In the churchyard we saw many graves of officers from the continental army and the navy original members, like Richard Montgomery and Alexander Hamilton. We finally reached the 9/11 memorials, which I’ve never visited before. I will definitely do this tour with my friends, so they will also be aware that we live in a very historical place.

A Brooklyn Girl In The Brooklyn Museum

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The entrance at the Brooklyn Museum it was super hot!

The Brooklyn Museum

This first image is a painting by Philip Pearlstein which was is known for making paintings of half bodies structured in a cropped way to reflect the hollows and surfaces of the body

The second image of the African American lady really caught my attention because the colors were extremely beautiful and the fact they added some glitter to it made it look even more eye catching. It was made by Mickalane Thomas whom supported the African American women and focus on the stereotypes of the race by others

This was one of my favorite sculptures just by looking at it I loved the details in the back little bubbles with mirrors on them. The lighting from outside just gave the theme a peaceful atmosphere

The image was made by a painter name Joan Semmel oil on canvas painting which focused on the exploration of the female sexuality by having feminism as an approach of representing nudity by the female.

 

Lower Manhattan Tour

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On June 26, my urban tourism and I took a walk down lower Manhattan. To get there I had to take the R train to Whitehall Street or if you prefer you can take the one to the south ferry train station. When I arrived I had to walk 2 blocks to the south ferry to meet with my class. We started down Water Street, looking at the historic buildings. The Watson house was one still standing built in the 1800s designed by John Macomb, now a Roman Catholic Church. The shrine of the first American born saint Elizabeth Ann Sutton was also apart of the structure.

We walked to one of my favorite structures from this trip Francine’s tavern. Francis tavern is one of the most historical buildings in Manhattan; it’s where Washington gave his farewell speech to the officers in the continental army.  According to the plaque fraunces tavern is also listed as a memorial and on the national register of historic places in 1719. I loved that Fraunces Tavern was both a museum and a restaurant, when I walked inside it felt like I was back in the 1700’s. It felt as if the door was even the original door and even looking from the outside in was exiting. It felt like I was walking through history, where many notable people have come. I’m looking forward to coming back and hopefully touring the museum and having lunch.

We circled back to the old customhouse, which is now The National Museum of the American Indian apart of the Smithsonian institution; the world’s largest museum and research complex. Across from the museum is a park, New York City’s oldest park, according to NYCgovparks.org, this park is famously known as a place where native Americans where met by Peter Minuit to discuss the selling of Manhattan. It was also used as a place where people would sell and buy livestock. In the park stood a statue of George Washington, and the crowns on the gate where stolen. When we walked down Broadway past the park we spotted the charging bull statue. To me the little girl in front of the Bull symbolizes strength and not being afraid against the extremely intimidating bull that to me symbolizes life or a cause you care deeply about.

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The federal Hall and The New York Stock Exchange stood boldly on Wall Street. I decided to into the federal Hall building to look around, it pretty empty, besides 2 rooms on the corner containing information about how the Hall came to be. There was also an interesting art piece by Brian Tolle, symbolizing a distorted structure of 17thcentury Dutch house. We moved up to the Trinity church, and the first thing I thought was that it was very brown, but it stood out. When we saw it from the Federal hall national memorial, everyone was curious about this church. In the churchyard we saw many graves of officers from the continental army and the navy original members, like Richard Montgomery and Alexander Hamilton. We finally reached the 9/11 memorials, which I’ve never visited before. I really loved the concepts of the two pools carved into the shape of the building and where they stood exactly. I feel like water symbolizes a connection, in which we will always have with the deaths of thousands who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.  After spending time there we went into the oculus. It was very beautiful symbolizing a bird in flight. But to turn it into a mall, where many people lost their lives is very unattached from the 9/11 memorial. Some of our class left but us who left, walked to our last stop, Brookfield Place. It is beautiful on the outside, looks like it is made out of glass. It is also a shopping mall; I still don’t understand why we needed two. But nonetheless I enjoyed my time here; we explored the outside, which was a boating dock for the prettiest looking sailing boats. We decided that we would part ways now and get something to eat, So many choices for food at Brookfield I could not make up my mind. Eventually I decided on a pork sandwich, I made the right decision.

 

I prefer living in color . . . . . .

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This weekend my friends and I decided to go to the Color Block Party in Pier 17. It is an event where we celebrate summer by dressing in your most colorful attire dragging all the attention you can with the abundance amount of color all around.

 

It was a really chill vibe in the event they played great music, provided food from trucks, drinks, and they had live DJ creating competition for people to be able to win 1,000 if they had the best colorful outfit. What I loved most about the event was the backdrops they had for people to take pictures in you saw long lines being created because everyone wanted that perfect Instagram picture.

 

I would recommend this pier for a summer outing with friends you’ll have a great time and you’ll enjoy every bit of it. From amazing music, food, drinks to finding the best spot to take your pictures in. They have a very welcoming staff as you enter they are wearing shirts that say “ask me anything” and they have a very big willingness to make your time at the event unforgettable. 

Downtown, Manhattan Reflection

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Staten Island Ferry, Battery Park sign, and the shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton .

On our Urban Tourism class tour to Downtown, Lower Manhattan on Tuesday June 26, 2018, allowed me to rethink of the positive side of things in New York City, about how the city has evolved from ever since I was born. Being informed from Professor Phillip helped me to reflect more about our history, reminding me that we should all value what we have today. Learning about the background of how downtown Manhattan, especially the Battery Park area and the Staten Island Ferry area has transformed from a landfill, help me acknowledge about how New York City have improved economically, visually, and technologically. In addition, learning about the different historical structures, buildings, and monuments such as, the Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the Frances Tavern, the U.S. Custom House, and the Federal Hall National Memorial, provided me more understanding of why people travel and the importance of history.

Fraunces Tavern

During the beginning of the trip, Professor Phillip told us that lower Manhattan, New York City used to be New Amsterdam. She also told us the Battery Park and the Staten Island Ferry used to be a landfill. This lower part of Manhattan is where the city started, where immigrants entered because of Ellis Island. Where the banks begun, commerce trade happened, and where the mayor and the president conducted their businesses. Next stop, the “shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton who was the first American born saint,” a chapel was built as a home for Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and her daughter Rebecca. On our walk to another historic site, I saw a mix of modern and older architecture buildings (amazed). If a tourist was interested in food and history, why not stop at the Fraunces Tavern? It is a museum and restaurant (The Dingle Whiskey Bar). According to a plaque on the side of the building it states that this Tavern is where George Washington had his farewell speech after the American Revolutionary War. They also had meetings in this tavern. The building was purchased as a memorial to Fredericks Taumadge. Next stop, our class walked on Stone Street (which had cobblestones from the Dutch) to the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, which is now the National Museum of the American Indian. This building structure had many different statues or monuments in front of it. This building was listed as the “National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976.”

The U.S. House Custom, Bowling Green park sign, and Charging Bull.

The Federal Hall National Memorial.

Standing right in front of this building is the Bowling Green park. In the park there is a fountain, which once was a statue of George Washington. The fence around the park was very important, there were once crowns part of the fence but were removed. North of the park stood the Charging Bull which is a significant symbol of Wall Street. Next to the Charging Bull is a building called Cunard Line building, where the building had many different uses in the past (a ticketing hall). Now, it is currently open for banquet events, there is also a restaurant and bar service inside. Later, we walked more north to the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Hall National Memorial. Our class got to enter in the memorial and I thought the interior was gorgeous. This monument was where George Washington was inaugurated and where the first Bill of Rights was adopted. Another site we walked to is the Trinity Church, where there were many gravestones and monuments. I learned that it was the tallest buildings before Brooklyn Bridge towers were built. It is one of the oldest buildings and it was built in 1846. People of importance such as Alexander Hamilton and his wife were buried here. In my culture it is unlucky to tour graveyards, therefore it was a little awkward walking in there.

The Oculus, 9/11 Memorial, Bowling Green Buildings, Trinity Church.

Last but not least, we got to travel to the 9/11 Memorial and the Oculus. Our class discussed that there is some controversial of having a shopping mall next to where New York City had this tragic attack and is it right for them to make it into a tourist attraction (touristic mall). I mean this place is supposed to be a place of grieve and memorial for the tragic event, but then there is now a touristic attraction to go shopping? This mall is also targeting people of wealth and possibly tourists. The last stop would have been Brookfield place, but me and a few classmates had to leave for another class tour in Long Island City.

I would like to sum it up that this trip will help remind me of the importance of different historical buildings and remind me to be more curious about different things.

 

Downtown Reflection

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For our trip to downtown Manhattan, we started at the Staten Island Ferry Station. This station is used for many tourists because it gives them the opportunity to have an awesome view, including the Statue of Liberty without having to pay higher rates of a regular tour. This area is easily accessible by public transportation. Of professor reminded us that this area was the first settled by the Dutch when New York was founded due to the strategic location and today is the Financial District. For this reason, we experienced walking on the streets that were designed not in straight lanes, but waves because the purpose was to connect the land that was in the past. For this reason, downtown Manhattan has so much history that can be still observed nowadays.

For instance, we were able to see many historical buildings in this area and all within walking distance. First, we saw were used to be the settlement of the house of Elizabeth Ann Seton, now displayed as a shrine. We saw the sign outside mentioning she was the first born saint in America. We were also able to visit Fraunces Tavern, which had a plate outside indicating that after the American Revolution in 1783, George Washington had a farewell to his officers on the second floor of this building. Because of the it’s history, the building is a New York City Landmark as well as a National Historical Place. This is also now a restaurant/bar and a small museum on the second floor. We were also able to observed what it was the Canyon of Heroes, which is where parades and celebrations used to take place and ticker-tape used to be thrown from the buildings as there was no confetti back then.

 1- Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton
2- FravncessTavern
3-Sign on the Tavern
4-Area of the Canyon of Heroes

While we kept walking we reached the Bowling Green Park and Fence. Here our professor pointed out was where the statue of King George III used to be, but was removed by the Patriots pm 1779 as states on the sign on the fence. We also saw on the fence how the crowns on the fence were not anymore on the fence, because they were removed together with the statue.The Bowling Green Fence is a Landmark of New York.  In this same area we saw what is today the National Museum of the American Indian and National Archives New York City, where we could see the sculptures outside. As we saw these represents the different continents such as America, Asia, Europe and Africa. Furthermore, we saw the famous Charging bull statue where there were many tourists making a line for pictures. Very close to it, we also saw the new status of the Fearless girl which also called the attention of tourists.

 1 and 2- Bowling Green Park and Fence
3-sculptures outside the National Museum of the American Indian
4-Charging bull statue

We also passed by the The New York Stock Exchange, which is New York’s economical heart. Then, we visited the Federal Hall National Memorial. The building itself was stunning and had a Greek influence. George Washington took oath as the First President of the United States. There was no entrance fee and we were able to see the Bible used by George Washington. After that, we proceed to Trinity Church, but could only see it from outside because it was closed due to renovations. However, we visited the cemetery where Alexander Hamilton’s funeral was held and where his grave is located, but they were doing some maintenance on his grave .

 Trinity church

 1-The New York Stock Exchange
2-Federal Hall
3-Bible used by George Washington

Of course we couldn’t finish our tour in a better area than in the World Trade Center and Brookfield place. We had mixed feelings with sadness and joy. The Oculus looks beautiful from outside and inside. Of course the white represents peace and that is exactly the feeling I had. However, I’m not sure the shopping stores are appropriate in this place. In any case, we saw a lot of local and tourists in the area as it was a pretty sunny day. Nevertheless The Brookfield place was also beautiful with more shopping stores of well known brands such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry and others. However, this is also a nice place just to hang up and eat because their food court is quite big and have several options. The good part about it was the view and the outside seating area. You could easily go there just to enjoy the view. I did observe more locals and I was glad we finished there the tour with such a view in a sunny day.

 
1- The Oculus and One World Trade Center
2,3 and 4-The Brookfield place

 

 

 

 

 

Walking Downtown

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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.

The Met – Abisola

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My urban tourism class and I took a trip to the New York Metropolitan Museum on the most beautiful day. It was such a hot day. I honestly felt like I was melting. Usually I’m not a big fan of museums. But ever since I started this class, I have more of interest of getting to know NYC. I lived in NYC for 22 years. And it’s sad to say I don’t know as much of tourist destination places. On my way to the METS I didn’t even realize I was next to my professor on the 4 train. It was quite funny because it’s always good to know your surroundings. Professor and I had a great conversation about buildings that also surrounding the area. And it’s fascinating We choose this museum because the Met is a huge tourist attraction. Coming from where I live it’s takes about an hour 30 min. So, in terms of convenient it wasn’t. However, because most of the people that visit is tourist and not residence of New York, according to the Met website they may have to pay; $25 dollars for adults $17 dollars for seniors; $12 for students; and free for Members, Patrons, and children under 12 and the good thing is you can spend the whole day there if you wanted. The museum fee, I agree it may be too much money, but I believe that it is worth it, and it is crucial for the survival of this beautiful museum. My comfort level at the museums was great, I felt very welcome. There were so many students from schools on the trip. Also, a lot of tourist so it was pack. We had a great tour guide, who had a group of people. But overall, she did an amazing job handling our group. I also, participated in the questions she asked about the paintings and what stood out to us. The focuses of the collection inside the Met is a mix of contemporary, realism, sculptures, Impressionism and so much more. The highlight to me was the heavenly bodies fashion and the catholic expression exhibition because that was the first thing I seen from the front before walking in.