Author Archives: d.juca

The Art-A-Thon I decided to go to was the Flashmob with Dr. Aldemaro Romero. At first, I was confused about why the location said: “at the corner of 24th street and Lexington Avenue” and why it wasn’t being held in a classroom but then it made complete sense. As I walked out of the vertical campus building I was surprised to see a cameraman capturing the Samba dance, Professor Gisele Regatao was showing the audience. Professor Gisele, was in the moment and enjoying the, what it seemed like “Portuguese” music, and teaching step by step on how to dance this famous dance routine from Brazil. It was funny to see how people were trying to get these complicated steps in one try yet amazing how it attracted many races to give it a try. After trying to figure out the steps, I still couldn’t manage to get a complete small routine, it was too embarrassing I had to walk out and enjoyed the 3 professors dance and enjoy their Samba dance routine they had planned.

Throughout high school, I always saw what looked like the 7 train in Chelsea Manhattan.   As visible as this place was, I never bothered to go check it out. I was always curious to know why many people would take time to go up the stairs and take pictures of what looked like a train rail from the bottom. After doing research on the place I wanted to visit in New York, I decided to kill my curiosity and go visit “The High Line”, also known as, “ New York’s Park in the Sky.”

On Friday, I made my commute to “The High Line”. I was excited to see what the big deal was and finally feel some real spring weather. Of course, before visiting, I made sure what I was getting myself into.

“The High Line” is located on the west side of Manhattan and it runs from 14th street all the way through 34th street. Before this big infrastructure in the 1930’s, the railroad tracks ran down the west side waterfront taking goods to factories warehouses. The trains were dangerous and it was always crowded causing many accidents. It was so dangerous that 10th avenue was known as “ the death avenue.” When the High line was build in the 1930’s, trains would run through factory warehouse buildings carrying meat to the meatpacking industry. Now, what we know it as, “The Chelsea Market”. As years passed by, the use of railroads decreased and the High Line was taken over by nature. Since no one used it anymore, layers of soil build up and as years passed, the wilderness took over. Flowers, grass, sunflowers, trees, etc. were beginning to grow on the tracks. Many nearby property owners wanted to take down the High Line because of the waste of space it was taking up. As a result, in 1999, two residents, Robert Hammond and Joshua David started a non-profit group called “Friends of the High Line” in hopes of saving the High Line. After years of fighting, they managed to start the project and save a special place in New York’s history.

As I entered through the 14th street entrance I was amazed at how many people there were. I was not expecting to see so many people walking around and taking selfies with the amazing views the High line had to offer, but it made sense because of how nice the weather was. The first thing I noticed as I began to walk, was the floor. It reminded me a lot of a beach boardwalk but fancier. There were many trees near the entrance and although the trees were leafless it still had its unique presence that attracted tourists. There were many benches for pedestrians to sit and enjoy the moment with their families. After walking for about 10 minutes, I hit a construction site near one of the entrances on 23rd street. Many tourists were amazed at how the construction workers drilled a piece of metal through the concrete floor, they enjoyed the scene, laughing and conversing with random strangers that they ignored the real reason they came to the High Line.

There were also many people trying to hustle and sell their artwork and other stuff to the people that would walk by near them. In fact, one kid stopped me to buy candy off him. I gladly helped him with two dollars and continued on with the walk. I started thinking about how smart these people are coming to a place like the High Line and sell their stuff to tourist who are most likely to buy their stuff than an actual New Yorker.

As I continued my journey, I began to notice pieces of train rails in the middle of the

“boardwalk.” It was nice and engaging to think that there was once a train that passed through there roughly 88 years ago. Despite there being signs that prevented us from entering or touching the tracks, I acknowledged the ancient piece of artwork with my eyes. Continuing my walk, it impressed me how close the High Line was too nearby buildings. Many of them were apartments, it looked as if you can reach your hand out and touch it. It was so close that you could have jumped from the High Line to one of the apartments patio. Near there, one of the staff members were watering the grass that was slowly growing green.

When I got to the end the High Line, I was pleased with what I experienced. I definitely think it was worth the trip and worth the walk. I got to kill my curiosity and enjoy one of the many amazing places New York has to offer. I would really encourage you to go visit!

The High Line !

In this photo, I am walking the Brooklyn Bridge (what a coincidence that we were talking about bridges during class… anyways). This is one of my favorite photos I managed to take on the bridge because of what I was able to capture. Despite the rain and greyness outside, tourist managed to walk the whole bridge and continue to enjoy the beauty the city had to offer. By the look on their faces, I can tell they were excited to cross from borough to borough and experience the “adrenaline” a new yorker goes through while crossing this bridge.

Last week, I got the chance to experience New York City FC Home Opener game at the Yankee stadium. YES!, a soccer game on a baseball field. Regardless of where it took place, I got to enjoy the beautiful game. As some of you may know soccer is something I am very passionate about and to experience it here in New York was very special. I enjoyed every moment of the game, the vibes, the fans cheering, the chants, the songs, etc. I can say that for the last 3 game openers I have been to this one was really fun and worth going to. I really recommend you guys to go to one of their games this season and enjoy the amazing vibes the beautiful game offers… maybe when the weather gets nicer because when I went it was FREEZING!