The Beautiful Peaceful Eastside.
This morning I was eager to start the day because we were going to Central Park, which I absolutely love, and Harlem. I have been to Central Park a few times but never the entire park and I know Mike has great places for us to see and explore. Well as our journey beings we start off in East Harlem that is known as Spanish Harlem or “EL Barrio” (ENY 161). East Harlem is known to be the largest Latin community in the country, despite all the demographic changes the neighborhood still remains with Latin soul/flavor. ( ENY161) The first stop in East Harlem was the Carver Houses. Carver Houses were created for low income residents in the neighborhood and complete in 1958 (ENY 162). After we went to the museum Of The City of New York to watch a film on NYC called Timescapes. The movie was okay; I however love the museum more. It has beautiful lights going up these stairs, interesting paintings, and a show room of Tiffany & Co. Collection and to show how wealthy people lived before. The pictures I took would speak for themselves, I however will be returning back to this museum to explore the entire thing. One last piece of the museum was the staircase that had quotes all over it.
After we went to El Museo del Barrio. El Museo was founded in 1969 in a public school classroom in PS 125 by a Puerto Rican activist from East Harlem in order to preserve their cultural heritage (ENY 163). I had an absolutely amazing time and loved our tour guy Luke who works at the Museum. Luke honestly gave me a feel of back home when I grew up in Brooklyn. He was very cool, genuine and pleasant to talk to. I would recommend him for any tour and his awesome poetry that he read to us. One of the places Luke took us too that I loved was Modesto “ Tin” Flores Garden, (ENY 163) it was a very calm scenery that people from Harlem go to and enjoy with the neighborhood. The park was originally a vacant lot and parking dumb when it was then converted by Harlem resident Ernesto ‘Tin” Flores into a garden for the neighborhood. This garden is unique and different with art pieces that are very inspiring. Within the center of the Garden is an fountain sculpture called “The Seed of Growth” designed by Line Puerta. ( ENY 164) The fountain describes the strengths and diversity of women and what they go through. Towards the back of the park on a wall there is a mural called “Soldaderas”. The mural illustrated Mexican artist Frida Kahloe ( which I love) and Puerto Rican poet Julia De Burgos. The mural illustrates struggles and both heritages’ and what is bonded together. Both artist are feminist, political radicals and devoted to their native homeland ( ENY 164). As well they both lost children. The mural is inspiring and it is something that stands out and sends out a strong message. After Luke then took us to the Botanica which is a spiritual store. We spoke to the owner and I bought a bracelet that bring you luck and good. After we went to lunch, I decided to go to a Spanish restaurant that was very good.
After eating all that heavy delicious Spanish food I’m ready to go home but we cannot. Our next stop Is Central Park. I must say I love Central Park and this visit even made me love it more. I would definitely be coming here for some dates with my boyfriend as well. Central Park made me want to workout out even younger kids were running the whole park like nothing. In 1877 Central Park was completed and became the first major public park created in any city within the United States. The park provided relied for the working poor and opportunity for the affluent to go on carriages or horseback rides through the park tree-lined steets ( ENY 149). In the 20th century the park began to go down hill but Mayor Fiorell La Guardia placed Robert Moses in charge of all NYC Park and rehabilitating Central Park (ENY 150). Robert Moses created the Great lawn where it was areas for playgrounds and baseball field as well as the renovation of the park’s zoo. Once Moses was no longer in office the park was once again neglected until 1980. During this time the non-profit organization of Central Park raised funds for the park in order to restore it and have proper maintenance. N the park we passed by the Obelisk, which is the oldest monument in NYC. It was built on the Nil in honor of Pharaoh Thutmose III. It was built for good will and to improve trade between Egypt and the United States. From the Obelisk you can see the Great Lawn. As well In the park they have a boat pond, which was my favorite out of the entire park. You can go with your friends, family or even significant other. I cannot wait to come back with friends and family to show them all the beautiful things Central park has to offer.
As our day ended we went to strawberry fields. Strawberry Fields is where the memory of former Beatle and peace activist, John Lennon. When the Beatles broke up Lennon decided to make his home at NYC. He bought an apartment with his wife in the Dakota Hotel across from Central Park. He was shot on the corner of the Dakota by an obsessed fan, Mark Chapman. Mayor Ed Koch dedicated 2.5 acres on the western edge of Central Park and a tribute to Lennon ( ENY 156) Finally after this we headed back home where I took a great nap from all the walking we did.
Until Next week… Westside =)
Westside!!!
Waking up today I was excited to see the agenda because all I had in mind was that we were going to have a lot of fun exploring Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall but to find out when we met at Penn Station there are a change of plans. What else is there to do other then to make the best of it.
We started off at the Frick Museum. I must say I was so surprised this was someone’s house in the middle of the city. The Frick Collection house is where Former residence Henry Clay Frick lived. His house was designed by Thomas Hastings in 1913-1914. At the museum we were given a tour of the house. We started at the Garden room, which was the only room we can take pictures at. As we looked at the art in the other room it was beautiful and you were able to get a feel of what he loved and enjoyed. When Frick died he left in his will that his house be open to public as a museum. The doors of this museum opened in 1933. I enjoy the museum but when I began asking the tour guide questions about the rooms upstairs, basement, kitchen and sub basement where there was a full bowling alley, her response was we cannot show them and we turned the rooms into offices. I was personally disappointed because they do not want you to take any pictures but they ruined the rooms with offices. It didn’t make sense to me and I became very disappointed and unhappy with the museum at that point. Hopefully some day they can give the public the full view of the museum.
After we walked through Central Park to head to Hell’s Kitchen for some lunch at a Thai Restaurant. I love Thai food and I couldn’t wait to eat and try the food here. I more or less tried every Thai food because I eat it so much that I was just excited. I really love how you were able to choose 2 appetizer including a drink and an entrée. The food was done pretty fast and the food was delicious. What more can you ask for. The hour went by fast and we were walking already.
After our lunch from the Thai restaurant we went to Central Harlem. Central Harlem has the most beautiful cultures and religious institutions (ENY 178). Mike scheduled a tour guy n Central Harlem with a man name Jimmy. I personally think he is nice and knows his history but he was very dragging and boring as well as spoke very low. The first place we went to was the Schomburg Center for research in Black Culture. The center is housed in 1905 where the branch of the New York’s Public Library was designed by Mckim, Mead and White, who we know very well by now. As well it has the largest collections of books relating to black culture in the world. ( ENY 178) After we walked a few blocks down to the Mother AME Zion Church. The church was founded in 1796 by a group of prominent black Methodist, making it the oldest black church. It was established in Harlem since 1925 and designed by George Foster JR., known as the first black architect. (ENY 180) We walked some more and I saw the nicest apartments and brownstones within this neighborhood. I honestly thought it didn’t look like this and I’m very happy for the eye opener. I honestly would love to live over here. Finishing up our tour we walked down the Harlem Hall of Fame, commissioned by the Harlem Chamber of Commerce in 1995. The walk contains a series of bronze plaques on the sidewalk that were designed by Otto Neals and Ogundipe Fayoumi to honor those who were notable in music, science, and public services. ( ENY 183)
Finally our day has ended because I was feeling very under the weather. Lets see what next week brings us.
We started off at the Frick Museum. I must say I was so surprised this was someone’s house in the middle of the city. The Frick Collection house is where Former residence Henry Clay Frick lived. His house was designed by Thomas Hastings in 1913-1914. At the museum we were given a tour of the house. We started at the Garden room, which was the only room we can take pictures at. As we looked at the art in the other room it was beautiful and you were able to get a feel of what he loved and enjoyed. When Frick died he left in his will that his house be open to public as a museum. The doors of this museum opened in 1933. I enjoy the museum but when I began asking the tour guide questions about the rooms upstairs, basement, kitchen and sub basement where there was a full bowling alley, her response was we cannot show them and we turned the rooms into offices. I was personally disappointed because they do not want you to take any pictures but they ruined the rooms with offices. It didn’t make sense to me and I became very disappointed and unhappy with the museum at that point. Hopefully some day they can give the public the full view of the museum.
After we walked through Central Park to head to Hell’s Kitchen for some lunch at a Thai Restaurant. I love Thai food and I couldn’t wait to eat and try the food here. I more or less tried every Thai food because I eat it so much that I was just excited. I really love how you were able to choose 2 appetizer including a drink and an entrée. The food was done pretty fast and the food was delicious. What more can you ask for. The hour went by fast and we were walking already.
After our lunch from the Thai restaurant we went to Central Harlem. Central Harlem has the most beautiful cultures and religious institutions (ENY 178). Mike scheduled a tour guy n Central Harlem with a man name Jimmy. I personally think he is nice and knows his history but he was very dragging and boring as well as spoke very low. The first place we went to was the Schomburg Center for research in Black Culture. The center is housed in 1905 where the branch of the New York’s Public Library was designed by Mckim, Mead and White, who we know very well by now. As well it has the largest collections of books relating to black culture in the world. ( ENY 178) After we walked a few blocks down to the Mother AME Zion Church. The church was founded in 1796 by a group of prominent black Methodist, making it the oldest black church. It was established in Harlem since 1925 and designed by George Foster JR., known as the first black architect. (ENY 180) We walked some more and I saw the nicest apartments and brownstones within this neighborhood. I honestly thought it didn’t look like this and I’m very happy for the eye opener. I honestly would love to live over here. Finishing up our tour we walked down the Harlem Hall of Fame, commissioned by the Harlem Chamber of Commerce in 1995. The walk contains a series of bronze plaques on the sidewalk that were designed by Otto Neals and Ogundipe Fayoumi to honor those who were notable in music, science, and public services. ( ENY 183)
Finally our day has ended because I was feeling very under the weather. Lets see what next week brings us.
LOWER EAST SIDE
So I woke up this morning excited because I honestly love the LES, it’s small and you can honestly appreciate everything it has to offer. I couldn’t wait, as well I cannot believe we are close to the end.
Lower Manhattan is located between the New York Harbor to the South and City Hall to the North (ENY 39). Once we got off the train made a left and saw the Wollworth building, F.W. Wollworth was the founder of the 5 and 20 cent stores that still speak his name today. The Woolworth building is Neo-Gothis and was designed by Cass Gilbert, who was inspired by building he saw in France. It is known as the second tallest building in New York City right after the Chrysler Building. However it has been closed since 911. ( ENY 40) We walked around till our tour at City Hall was ready. I was excited to enter city hall, I must say the inside looks so beautiful compared to the outside; it has so much more to offer. This City hall is the third City Hall because it has been built other times in different locations, however this is the oldest, 1811. As I stated the inside it amazing and beautiful. Our class had a tour guide named Jill Cornell; she was excellent and had lots of historical information to share with us. The hall is 202 years old and it has a invisible dome from the outside, which was built behind the clock. As soon as you enter you can see the dome and the beautiful marble floor and stairs. I haven’t seen anything like it in any other building. I was most amazed that we were able to enter the City Council room. It was so surreal that I was sitting in there were important decisions are being made. The room was beautiful with mural and famous quotes all around around. We also entered a room where there were all real and ancient items from former presidents. In this room there was Washington’s writing table from 1789. I was ecstatic to touch it and to even be in the room.
Our next stop was the African Burial Ground, where it was a place for peace and rest. In 1991 The Burial was discovered during construction of the Ted Weiss Building. IN 2007 a memorial opened in the building to show the important role that African slaves went through. We watch a video that was very touching and walked around the museum. It was sad and warm it made me appreciate how far we have come and sympathize even more for this horrible treatment.
Next it was lunch and I couldn’t be anymore excited to eat at Sophia’s aka Sophie. It is a Columbian restaurant that sells amazing food for a cheap price. I suggest everyone goes there and tries it out. I had a Cuban sandwich and 2 chicken empanadas.
Once lunch was over our next stop was St. Pauls Church, known as the oldest church in Manhattan. The chapel was designed by Thomas Mcbean and was completed in 1766. The church managed to survive a fire in 1776 that destroyed much of it, eventually it was fixed and still standing. It also manages to survive the terrorist attack on September 11th. I think its faith along with a tree that was standing in front it. The tree has been preserved and kept at the 911-memorial site. The church is used as a memorial for 911, inside the church there are many pictures and stories. It was very quit and sad, it made me think back to that day a lot. After we stopped at the 911 memorial I have been here years ago when it first opened up. It was very sad and surreal to stand there. This day is devastating and a day I would never forget as well American would never forget. It has changed everyone’s life forever. The World Trade Center was built between 1966 and 1987, where it contained seven buildings and an underground shopping center. On September 11th, 2001, 19 terrorist that were extremist of the al Qaeda hijacked four commercial airlines, crashing one into the Pentagon, two in the Twin Towers, and one that was headed to the white house that passengers fought inside the plane to direct the plane otherwise. This attack killed 2,977 victims, making it the worst attack in American History ( ENY 48).
After we walked to the Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouses. IT was designed by Cass Gilbert and was completed by his son Cass Gilbert Jr. in 1936. This building currently is the Second Circuit Court of Appeals and the US district for the Southern District of NY. Around the building you can see murals of civilizations. These civilizations are Babylonian, Persian, roman, Frankish, and American. Right above all the mural is six of the greatest lawgivers: Hammurabi, Moses, Solomon, Justinian, Blackstone and John Marshall. (ENY 44) In 1703 Federal Hall was built as City Hall by British. Many important things happen in this building like when George Washington sworn in as President in 1789. It was declared a historic site in 1939 ( ENY 52) .
Finishing up our day we stopped in front of the NYSE. Above the building is a Freeze and it’s a woman that they call Integrity who stretches both arms out as a sign of sincerity and honesty. As well there are ten other figures and Integrity is protecting the ‘Work of a Man”. After this we shopped at a little flea Market where I bought a cute hat and warm infinity scarf. Class was over because it started to rain.
I really enjoy today’s class and excited that there is one more class to go. I cannot wait CHINATOWN !!!! =)
Lower Manhattan is located between the New York Harbor to the South and City Hall to the North (ENY 39). Once we got off the train made a left and saw the Wollworth building, F.W. Wollworth was the founder of the 5 and 20 cent stores that still speak his name today. The Woolworth building is Neo-Gothis and was designed by Cass Gilbert, who was inspired by building he saw in France. It is known as the second tallest building in New York City right after the Chrysler Building. However it has been closed since 911. ( ENY 40) We walked around till our tour at City Hall was ready. I was excited to enter city hall, I must say the inside looks so beautiful compared to the outside; it has so much more to offer. This City hall is the third City Hall because it has been built other times in different locations, however this is the oldest, 1811. As I stated the inside it amazing and beautiful. Our class had a tour guide named Jill Cornell; she was excellent and had lots of historical information to share with us. The hall is 202 years old and it has a invisible dome from the outside, which was built behind the clock. As soon as you enter you can see the dome and the beautiful marble floor and stairs. I haven’t seen anything like it in any other building. I was most amazed that we were able to enter the City Council room. It was so surreal that I was sitting in there were important decisions are being made. The room was beautiful with mural and famous quotes all around around. We also entered a room where there were all real and ancient items from former presidents. In this room there was Washington’s writing table from 1789. I was ecstatic to touch it and to even be in the room.
Our next stop was the African Burial Ground, where it was a place for peace and rest. In 1991 The Burial was discovered during construction of the Ted Weiss Building. IN 2007 a memorial opened in the building to show the important role that African slaves went through. We watch a video that was very touching and walked around the museum. It was sad and warm it made me appreciate how far we have come and sympathize even more for this horrible treatment.
Next it was lunch and I couldn’t be anymore excited to eat at Sophia’s aka Sophie. It is a Columbian restaurant that sells amazing food for a cheap price. I suggest everyone goes there and tries it out. I had a Cuban sandwich and 2 chicken empanadas.
Once lunch was over our next stop was St. Pauls Church, known as the oldest church in Manhattan. The chapel was designed by Thomas Mcbean and was completed in 1766. The church managed to survive a fire in 1776 that destroyed much of it, eventually it was fixed and still standing. It also manages to survive the terrorist attack on September 11th. I think its faith along with a tree that was standing in front it. The tree has been preserved and kept at the 911-memorial site. The church is used as a memorial for 911, inside the church there are many pictures and stories. It was very quit and sad, it made me think back to that day a lot. After we stopped at the 911 memorial I have been here years ago when it first opened up. It was very sad and surreal to stand there. This day is devastating and a day I would never forget as well American would never forget. It has changed everyone’s life forever. The World Trade Center was built between 1966 and 1987, where it contained seven buildings and an underground shopping center. On September 11th, 2001, 19 terrorist that were extremist of the al Qaeda hijacked four commercial airlines, crashing one into the Pentagon, two in the Twin Towers, and one that was headed to the white house that passengers fought inside the plane to direct the plane otherwise. This attack killed 2,977 victims, making it the worst attack in American History ( ENY 48).
After we walked to the Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouses. IT was designed by Cass Gilbert and was completed by his son Cass Gilbert Jr. in 1936. This building currently is the Second Circuit Court of Appeals and the US district for the Southern District of NY. Around the building you can see murals of civilizations. These civilizations are Babylonian, Persian, roman, Frankish, and American. Right above all the mural is six of the greatest lawgivers: Hammurabi, Moses, Solomon, Justinian, Blackstone and John Marshall. (ENY 44) In 1703 Federal Hall was built as City Hall by British. Many important things happen in this building like when George Washington sworn in as President in 1789. It was declared a historic site in 1939 ( ENY 52) .
Finishing up our day we stopped in front of the NYSE. Above the building is a Freeze and it’s a woman that they call Integrity who stretches both arms out as a sign of sincerity and honesty. As well there are ten other figures and Integrity is protecting the ‘Work of a Man”. After this we shopped at a little flea Market where I bought a cute hat and warm infinity scarf. Class was over because it started to rain.
I really enjoy today’s class and excited that there is one more class to go. I cannot wait CHINATOWN !!!! =)
CHINATOWN!!!!
I couldn’t believe today was the last class as I woke up, these weeks flew by so fast.
Today we started off in the Lower East Side where we went to the Tenement Museum. The tenements were built in 1863. The museum provided a view of immigrant life and families who lived in this building during the 19th century. Lukas Glockner built the museum and has been modified over the years to keep up with the tenement laws (ENY 67) The building was sealed in 1935 because the landlord did not want to deal with the tenement laws so he ended up evicting everyone. This tenement alone held up to 7,000 people from Ireland, Italy, Germany and Eastern Europe. (ENY 67) I was very amazed by the number I honestly cannot even believe it. The museum was founded in 1988 and was considered Historic Landmark in 1994. In this tenement there are 5 floors, and twenty apartments all the same size. The first apartment we went into was scary because it was so old that I thought I was going to fall through the floor. You were able to notice all the different floor tiles that were once there as well as all the different wallpaper. The rooms were so tiny for families that had about 7 people living in them. The biggest room was the living room. If it was summer time and to hot in the apartment and crowded some family members slept in the fire escape. During this time working conditions were hard, minors had to work sixty hours a week. I myself cannot work sixty hours a week, I feel like I’m going to die with 40hrs a week plus school I cannot even imagine what these children went through. The second apartment was a family that had a little business within the apartment. The dad made dresses. Ach dress was fifteen dollars and the same thing as rent. The dress would take two hours to make and they were only paid almost pennies for the work. This gave me a look at reality and what we should not take for granted because I would have never want to live in these conditions. The only thing I did not like was that we were not able to take pictures. I guess the pictures will be in my mind to remember.
Next Mike split us into groups giving us all different directions on how to get to Chinatown from the Tenement Museum. We were all handed a paper and were to follow the instructions. We had to try different things, enter stores and go to a temple, as well take pictures. It was easy to follow I’m familiar with the area, once we reached Chinatown we saw lots of markets, jewelry stores and stands where you can purchase scarf’s, hats IPhone cases etc. Chinese immigrants first started coming to the US brining culture, tradition and cuisine to the neighborhood ( ENY 72). Majority of men came first than women. IN 1882 the Chinese Exclusion Act denied immigration. Chinese people were the first ever to be denied to enter the U.S. (ENY 72). The act was eventually reapplied and the Immigration Act of 1965 let 20,000 immigrants in the U.S. ( ENY 73). Mike suggested we go to Chinatown’s Ice Cream Factory which I did not buy any ice cream because it was too expensive as well I sample some ice cream and it was just okay. He also suggested we try bubble tea but I have in the past and do not like it at all so I passed on that. Another thing he told us to try was a pork bun. I was really skeptical on trying it but I did anyhow, it was good and sweet because of the bread. I wasn’t so fond on the pork so I do not think I would have it again that knows. As well we went to a temple where it was very calm, soothing and spiritual. The Chinese culture treats the Buddha with the up most respect. They put food, candles, flowers around it on a daily bases. I honestly felt at peace when I entered and left. After Chinatown we met back by the Tenement Museum where we had lunch at Congee Village. The food was okay but not enough for everyone I really enjoyed the chicken, sesame chicken and broccoli.
After lunch we had a tour of the Lower East Side with Jim again, our same tour guide from Harlem. Our first stop was the economy candy store. I absolutely love this store; they had every candy from when I was growing up and inexpensive. I will definitely come back here again. After we went to Henry Street Settlement, where it was founded by Lillian Wald was who a 25-year-old nursing student. As a nursing student Lillian volunteered in the Lower East Side teaching immigrants women about health care and as well she dislike the conditions. ( ENY 69) She made a impact and change when she found the nurses settlement in 1893 where she would be bringing nursing care, education and arts to the immigrant population. She was also able to bring visiting nurse services to care for the sick rather than having sick people go to a clinic.
Our last stop was the Eldridge Street Synagogue. This synagogue was constructed in 1887 and was the first to be built in New York by Eastern European Jews. The synagogue is located in Chinatown where Jews once populated it. Peter and Francis Herter designed this masterpiece out of brick and terra-cotta that has both Morrish and Gothic influences. During 1950 to 1986 the synagogue membership began to empty until the Eldridge Street Project. Launched a campaign to restore it. After twenty years of restoration in 2007 the synagogue reopened with a new museum showcasing its rich history. ( ENY 72) After we took one last group photo and all went our separate ways. I had a great time and met wonderful people and new friends. I was actually sad it was over so fast.
Guess I cannot say until Next time this time, so until one day. =)
Today we started off in the Lower East Side where we went to the Tenement Museum. The tenements were built in 1863. The museum provided a view of immigrant life and families who lived in this building during the 19th century. Lukas Glockner built the museum and has been modified over the years to keep up with the tenement laws (ENY 67) The building was sealed in 1935 because the landlord did not want to deal with the tenement laws so he ended up evicting everyone. This tenement alone held up to 7,000 people from Ireland, Italy, Germany and Eastern Europe. (ENY 67) I was very amazed by the number I honestly cannot even believe it. The museum was founded in 1988 and was considered Historic Landmark in 1994. In this tenement there are 5 floors, and twenty apartments all the same size. The first apartment we went into was scary because it was so old that I thought I was going to fall through the floor. You were able to notice all the different floor tiles that were once there as well as all the different wallpaper. The rooms were so tiny for families that had about 7 people living in them. The biggest room was the living room. If it was summer time and to hot in the apartment and crowded some family members slept in the fire escape. During this time working conditions were hard, minors had to work sixty hours a week. I myself cannot work sixty hours a week, I feel like I’m going to die with 40hrs a week plus school I cannot even imagine what these children went through. The second apartment was a family that had a little business within the apartment. The dad made dresses. Ach dress was fifteen dollars and the same thing as rent. The dress would take two hours to make and they were only paid almost pennies for the work. This gave me a look at reality and what we should not take for granted because I would have never want to live in these conditions. The only thing I did not like was that we were not able to take pictures. I guess the pictures will be in my mind to remember.
Next Mike split us into groups giving us all different directions on how to get to Chinatown from the Tenement Museum. We were all handed a paper and were to follow the instructions. We had to try different things, enter stores and go to a temple, as well take pictures. It was easy to follow I’m familiar with the area, once we reached Chinatown we saw lots of markets, jewelry stores and stands where you can purchase scarf’s, hats IPhone cases etc. Chinese immigrants first started coming to the US brining culture, tradition and cuisine to the neighborhood ( ENY 72). Majority of men came first than women. IN 1882 the Chinese Exclusion Act denied immigration. Chinese people were the first ever to be denied to enter the U.S. (ENY 72). The act was eventually reapplied and the Immigration Act of 1965 let 20,000 immigrants in the U.S. ( ENY 73). Mike suggested we go to Chinatown’s Ice Cream Factory which I did not buy any ice cream because it was too expensive as well I sample some ice cream and it was just okay. He also suggested we try bubble tea but I have in the past and do not like it at all so I passed on that. Another thing he told us to try was a pork bun. I was really skeptical on trying it but I did anyhow, it was good and sweet because of the bread. I wasn’t so fond on the pork so I do not think I would have it again that knows. As well we went to a temple where it was very calm, soothing and spiritual. The Chinese culture treats the Buddha with the up most respect. They put food, candles, flowers around it on a daily bases. I honestly felt at peace when I entered and left. After Chinatown we met back by the Tenement Museum where we had lunch at Congee Village. The food was okay but not enough for everyone I really enjoyed the chicken, sesame chicken and broccoli.
After lunch we had a tour of the Lower East Side with Jim again, our same tour guide from Harlem. Our first stop was the economy candy store. I absolutely love this store; they had every candy from when I was growing up and inexpensive. I will definitely come back here again. After we went to Henry Street Settlement, where it was founded by Lillian Wald was who a 25-year-old nursing student. As a nursing student Lillian volunteered in the Lower East Side teaching immigrants women about health care and as well she dislike the conditions. ( ENY 69) She made a impact and change when she found the nurses settlement in 1893 where she would be bringing nursing care, education and arts to the immigrant population. She was also able to bring visiting nurse services to care for the sick rather than having sick people go to a clinic.
Our last stop was the Eldridge Street Synagogue. This synagogue was constructed in 1887 and was the first to be built in New York by Eastern European Jews. The synagogue is located in Chinatown where Jews once populated it. Peter and Francis Herter designed this masterpiece out of brick and terra-cotta that has both Morrish and Gothic influences. During 1950 to 1986 the synagogue membership began to empty until the Eldridge Street Project. Launched a campaign to restore it. After twenty years of restoration in 2007 the synagogue reopened with a new museum showcasing its rich history. ( ENY 72) After we took one last group photo and all went our separate ways. I had a great time and met wonderful people and new friends. I was actually sad it was over so fast.
Guess I cannot say until Next time this time, so until one day. =)
My Expereince
Overall I had a wonderfull time. I'm so happy I was able to take this class and learn new things, visit new site and try out new foods. I cannot wait to go back to just about all these sites with my family, friends and boyfriend. I met wonderful people in the class and made new friends. I couldnt regret this class at all. Even though some days the walking was crazy, I was fine the next day after a much needed rest. Most importanly I could'nt have ask for better professors to teach this class. Mike gave us a few good laughs and let us explore something I would have never done, even though he got us lost in Chelsea. Merritta is amazing and funny and I love the fact she protected us from not getting killed and not getting us lost half the time. I'm appreciative and happy I had the time and honor to be with both professors.