Journal 2
The Wild West Side
Today started out to be a b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l day (so I did not bring an umbrella today)! I took the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) from Baldwin to Penn Station (as usual). After arriving in Penn Station, our class departed and headed out. This was the first class day where we did not take a subway right away! We walked right outside of Penn Station. I absolutely love this part of the city. I love looking into all of the shops! So, I enjoyed walking around here. We headed towards Times Square and Rockefeller Center. While on our way there, we checked out the Citi bike racks that have been placed in many different areas throughout the city. There have been a lot of different views on these bike racks. Some people are fans of it and others, not so much. There have been many complaints about the Manhattan Bike Share Program. Many people have been furious because city tax dollars are being spent on a program that many people are not quite fond of. People are also complaining about the location of the bike racks regarding pedestrian walking space and parking space. Speaking of pedestrian walking space, while at Times Square, we learned that Mayor Bloomberg created more of a pedestrian zone geared towards tourists and/or locals where they can walk or simply relax in a chair to enjoy New York CIty. I learned that many people enjoyed Times Square as a place for entertainment and theater, but back in the 1970's, Times Square was a dangerous place as well. The area was known for crime, drugs, prostitution, and pornography (BG, 218). The Mayor Giuliani administration showed great effort and cleaned up Times Square to what people would later admire. Today, Times Square is safer and a more profitable place than ever before (BG, 218).
After visiting Times Square, we walked toward the G.E. Building, which we walked through. This was the first building constructed in Rockefeller Center (BG, 248). Walking through this building made me feel like I was in a familiar place. Then, I realized I was here before! I realized it was the home of NBC Studios. I realized I came here once before to see Jimmy Fallon. As we walked through the building, we were informed of its architecture. We ended up in Rockefeller Center, where we had a ten minute break to explore a bit. Some classmates and I noticed a gorgeous bar and/or restaurant setting down below where the ice skating rink usually is during the winter. Therefore, we decided to go down to site see. We did not have much time, but some other time this summer I would definitely love to go back there and have a nice afternoon lunch in Rockefeller Center.
Shortly after exploring Rockefeller Center, we walked toward The New York Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). Interestingly, modern art was not considered art in many areas (BG, 260). We explored works of many artists including many New York artists. One of these New York artists we gave our attention to was Andy Warhol. Andy Warhol was famous for computer generated art. He was a figure in the visual art movement known as "pop art". Pop art was an art movement that emerged in the 1950's, which included imagery from popular culture such as advertising and/or news (BG, 268).
We then had lunch! Lunch was a new experience for me because it was Thai food. I never had Thai food before, but I always enjoy trying new things. However, I was not so crazy about the Thai food. After lunch, we headed to catch the 2 train (subway) to Harlem. By the time we got out of the subway, it was raining. We met up with a tour guide who gave us a little background of the part of Harlem we were in. He explained the importance of it and mentioned significant places such as the Apollo Theater and the Studio Museum in Harlem. Unfortunately because it was raining so hard, we did not have time to tour these places. We had to end class early because of the rain. Many of us hopped on the 2 train (subway) to catch an earlier train back home from Penn Station. After arriving back at Penn Station, I took the LIRR to Baldwin. It was a shame we had to end class early, but I am looking forward to our next class on Thursday!
After visiting Times Square, we walked toward the G.E. Building, which we walked through. This was the first building constructed in Rockefeller Center (BG, 248). Walking through this building made me feel like I was in a familiar place. Then, I realized I was here before! I realized it was the home of NBC Studios. I realized I came here once before to see Jimmy Fallon. As we walked through the building, we were informed of its architecture. We ended up in Rockefeller Center, where we had a ten minute break to explore a bit. Some classmates and I noticed a gorgeous bar and/or restaurant setting down below where the ice skating rink usually is during the winter. Therefore, we decided to go down to site see. We did not have much time, but some other time this summer I would definitely love to go back there and have a nice afternoon lunch in Rockefeller Center.
Shortly after exploring Rockefeller Center, we walked toward The New York Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). Interestingly, modern art was not considered art in many areas (BG, 260). We explored works of many artists including many New York artists. One of these New York artists we gave our attention to was Andy Warhol. Andy Warhol was famous for computer generated art. He was a figure in the visual art movement known as "pop art". Pop art was an art movement that emerged in the 1950's, which included imagery from popular culture such as advertising and/or news (BG, 268).
We then had lunch! Lunch was a new experience for me because it was Thai food. I never had Thai food before, but I always enjoy trying new things. However, I was not so crazy about the Thai food. After lunch, we headed to catch the 2 train (subway) to Harlem. By the time we got out of the subway, it was raining. We met up with a tour guide who gave us a little background of the part of Harlem we were in. He explained the importance of it and mentioned significant places such as the Apollo Theater and the Studio Museum in Harlem. Unfortunately because it was raining so hard, we did not have time to tour these places. We had to end class early because of the rain. Many of us hopped on the 2 train (subway) to catch an earlier train back home from Penn Station. After arriving back at Penn Station, I took the LIRR to Baldwin. It was a shame we had to end class early, but I am looking forward to our next class on Thursday!
Lower Manhattan & Captivating Chelsea
Today was my absolute f-a-v-o-r-i-t-e day! Before anything, I took the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) from Baldwin to Penn Station (as usual). But, there is more... the train was delayed! I am an early person. Therefore, I like to get places earlier rather than later, which is why I always catch the 9:39am train each morning in order to get into Penn Station by 11am. Well, today I was not so lucky! Today, I actually decided to get a large ice coffee to enjoy before our departure (thinking I would have extra time like usual to head to the bathroom). Well, that was a negative! The train arrived about 10:20am (just enough time to try to make it to our meeting area)! Getting off the train at Penn Station at 10:59am, I made a run for it (hoping I would not be left behind)!
After arriving and gathering with our class, we headed to City Hall! We hopped on a subway to get there. When arriving, we were greeted by our tour guide, Sheila. Sheila was extremely knowledgable about the building and its history. She explained to us how there were several City Hall's before this one. Sheila said the Dutch occupied the first City Hall and the British occupied the second City Hall (BG, 81). She stated that in 1898, all five boroughs combined to solidify each other and the City Hall that we have today. According to many architects, the City Hall that stands today is considered to be the most beautiful City Hall in the United States. Upon entering City Hall, we noticed the rotunda, with a beautiful circular staircase and a dome (BG, 84).
Afterwards, we headed to the 9/11 Memorial. The 9/11 Memorial was absolutely breathtaking (only way I can describe it). My favorite were the North and South Pools. These pools had each and every name engraved in them that was lost on September 11, 2001. It was interesting to learn that the water drains into where the two towers once stood. We walked through some other sites associated with September 11th such as St. Paul's Chapel. This church is one of the oldest churches in New York City. Inside, there is a moving 9/11 Memorial in honor and in memory of those lost during this horrific tragedy. St. Paul's Chapel was built as a subsidiary chapel of Trinity Church for worshipers who lived too far uptown (BG, 77).
Afterwards, we checked out the New York Stock Exchange. This is one reason why New York is a preeminent city of the capitalist world in terms of dollar value and it being the world's largest exchange (BG, 68). Right around there was also the Federal Hall National Monument. This was where George Washington was sworn in for President (BG, 69). Interestingly enough, Federal Hall was closed from 2004-2006 for repairs whose cracks were done by the fall of the buildings at the World Trade Center (BG, 69).
We toured a bit more of Wall Street and the lower side of Manhattan. Then, we headed towards the subway to head towards our lunch break, which was taking place at Chelsea Market. This area looked familiar to me because I was here before. For my 21st birthday, we ate across the street at the Old Homestead Restaurant (very good)! While on our lunch break, we were encouraged to explore Chelsea Market. Chelsea Market's ground floor is filled with shops that offer many desired foods, wines, kitchen wares, and flowers (BG, 186). For lunch, I decided to munch on a deli sandwich. The gelato looked yummy but after what happened on the first class day, gelato was a no-no! After exploring Chelsea Market for a bit, we headed towards the High Line. The High Line was constructed in the 1930's to solve problems such as traffic, trains being dirty, and the tracks being dangerous (BG, 188). Freight cars were then used, but later was abandoned. It is now transformed into a garden and walkway by the city. The High Line is definitely a beautiful place to be.
Afterwards, we headed towards some art galleries. I am not a big art person when it comes to painting and such but when it comes to photography, I can fall in love. Some of the galleries we went to included photography and those were the ones that caught my eyes. The way the photographer captures the picture with effects such as lighting and color amaze me. I feel each individual can have their own perspective on a piece of art, whether it be a photo or a painting - that is the beauty of it.
Ending the day in an art gallery that just opened up was beneficial in a way that we got to have a free glass of wine - just enough to relax a bit! It was exciting to walk on the High Line back to Penn Station. Once again, today was a long day so it felt nice to get back home and relax a bit before next week's class.
P.S. I am sorry that there are no pictures for this day! My phone got restored and deleted everything!
After arriving and gathering with our class, we headed to City Hall! We hopped on a subway to get there. When arriving, we were greeted by our tour guide, Sheila. Sheila was extremely knowledgable about the building and its history. She explained to us how there were several City Hall's before this one. Sheila said the Dutch occupied the first City Hall and the British occupied the second City Hall (BG, 81). She stated that in 1898, all five boroughs combined to solidify each other and the City Hall that we have today. According to many architects, the City Hall that stands today is considered to be the most beautiful City Hall in the United States. Upon entering City Hall, we noticed the rotunda, with a beautiful circular staircase and a dome (BG, 84).
Afterwards, we headed to the 9/11 Memorial. The 9/11 Memorial was absolutely breathtaking (only way I can describe it). My favorite were the North and South Pools. These pools had each and every name engraved in them that was lost on September 11, 2001. It was interesting to learn that the water drains into where the two towers once stood. We walked through some other sites associated with September 11th such as St. Paul's Chapel. This church is one of the oldest churches in New York City. Inside, there is a moving 9/11 Memorial in honor and in memory of those lost during this horrific tragedy. St. Paul's Chapel was built as a subsidiary chapel of Trinity Church for worshipers who lived too far uptown (BG, 77).
Afterwards, we checked out the New York Stock Exchange. This is one reason why New York is a preeminent city of the capitalist world in terms of dollar value and it being the world's largest exchange (BG, 68). Right around there was also the Federal Hall National Monument. This was where George Washington was sworn in for President (BG, 69). Interestingly enough, Federal Hall was closed from 2004-2006 for repairs whose cracks were done by the fall of the buildings at the World Trade Center (BG, 69).
We toured a bit more of Wall Street and the lower side of Manhattan. Then, we headed towards the subway to head towards our lunch break, which was taking place at Chelsea Market. This area looked familiar to me because I was here before. For my 21st birthday, we ate across the street at the Old Homestead Restaurant (very good)! While on our lunch break, we were encouraged to explore Chelsea Market. Chelsea Market's ground floor is filled with shops that offer many desired foods, wines, kitchen wares, and flowers (BG, 186). For lunch, I decided to munch on a deli sandwich. The gelato looked yummy but after what happened on the first class day, gelato was a no-no! After exploring Chelsea Market for a bit, we headed towards the High Line. The High Line was constructed in the 1930's to solve problems such as traffic, trains being dirty, and the tracks being dangerous (BG, 188). Freight cars were then used, but later was abandoned. It is now transformed into a garden and walkway by the city. The High Line is definitely a beautiful place to be.
Afterwards, we headed towards some art galleries. I am not a big art person when it comes to painting and such but when it comes to photography, I can fall in love. Some of the galleries we went to included photography and those were the ones that caught my eyes. The way the photographer captures the picture with effects such as lighting and color amaze me. I feel each individual can have their own perspective on a piece of art, whether it be a photo or a painting - that is the beauty of it.
Ending the day in an art gallery that just opened up was beneficial in a way that we got to have a free glass of wine - just enough to relax a bit! It was exciting to walk on the High Line back to Penn Station. Once again, today was a long day so it felt nice to get back home and relax a bit before next week's class.
P.S. I am sorry that there are no pictures for this day! My phone got restored and deleted everything!
Immigrant New York
Today was a little disappointing for me. We were supposed to go to Little Italy.. what happened?! When I met up with our class at Penn Station, we together took the F train (subway) to Delancy Street. Our first stop was the Essex Street Market. This stop allowed us to sample some ethnic foods and to explore this historic market to our liking. Afterwards, we were greeted by our tour guide, Jim, who was our same tour guide we had in Harlem. He took us throughout the lower East side of Manhattan. The lower East side is in the midst of rapid change (BG, 118). We passed the Tenement Museum, but unfortunately we were not able to go inside because all tours were booked up. Jim explained the East River's significance. He explained that the East River was and is good for shipping and merchant trading.
We walked through the Bowery and ate some lunch in Chinatown. Jim explained how the Bowery was extremely high class at one time but then went through major changes. Walking through the Bowery and Chinatown was difficult because of the smell. Chinatown is known by poverty, overcrowding, and physical deterioration (BG, 108). Interestingly enough, Chinatown supports an underground economy that includes sweatshop labor, counterfeiting, and the smuggling of illegal immigrants (BG, 108). In Chinatown, we ate at a restaurant called Congee Village. The food was very good but there was one thing that I was NOT a fan of. When we got a dish of the special chicken that was ordered, I noticed that there was a head! Yes, a head of a chicken on the dish... cooked! I immediately lost my appetite until they took the head away. Then, I was able to eat (but not from that plate)! We had an hour and a half for lunch, which was extremely nice because it was extremely hot outside. It was a nice amount of time to recuperate and get some relaxation in as well as to cool off a bit.
After lunch, I was excited to check out Little Italy because I am Italian and I have never been there! But, we did not and I do not know why. I would have preferred touring Little Italy rather than Chinatown. Instead of going to Little Italy and exploring the Tenement Museum, we walked over the Williamsburg Bridge! I have to admit, I was not excited to walk over the Williamsburg Bridge in this scorching heat, but in the end, I felt like a trooper!
We then walked towards the East River and saw the magnificent view it has to offer. Before it started to down pour (because it looked like it was going to), we were dismissed from class. Today was interesting, but I would have liked to experience more things on top of or rather than what we did. I am excited yet sad that our last class is approaching, but happy I will be able to feel my legs again soon!
We walked through the Bowery and ate some lunch in Chinatown. Jim explained how the Bowery was extremely high class at one time but then went through major changes. Walking through the Bowery and Chinatown was difficult because of the smell. Chinatown is known by poverty, overcrowding, and physical deterioration (BG, 108). Interestingly enough, Chinatown supports an underground economy that includes sweatshop labor, counterfeiting, and the smuggling of illegal immigrants (BG, 108). In Chinatown, we ate at a restaurant called Congee Village. The food was very good but there was one thing that I was NOT a fan of. When we got a dish of the special chicken that was ordered, I noticed that there was a head! Yes, a head of a chicken on the dish... cooked! I immediately lost my appetite until they took the head away. Then, I was able to eat (but not from that plate)! We had an hour and a half for lunch, which was extremely nice because it was extremely hot outside. It was a nice amount of time to recuperate and get some relaxation in as well as to cool off a bit.
After lunch, I was excited to check out Little Italy because I am Italian and I have never been there! But, we did not and I do not know why. I would have preferred touring Little Italy rather than Chinatown. Instead of going to Little Italy and exploring the Tenement Museum, we walked over the Williamsburg Bridge! I have to admit, I was not excited to walk over the Williamsburg Bridge in this scorching heat, but in the end, I felt like a trooper!
We then walked towards the East River and saw the magnificent view it has to offer. Before it started to down pour (because it looked like it was going to), we were dismissed from class. Today was interesting, but I would have liked to experience more things on top of or rather than what we did. I am excited yet sad that our last class is approaching, but happy I will be able to feel my legs again soon!
Quixotic Queens
Today was the last day of class! It was bittersweet. I was excited yet sad to see it end because I made so many new friends. Plus, this class definitely toned up my legs.. so why should I complain?! (Haha) After arriving at Penn Station and gathering with the class as usual, we departed for our last time. We walked to Bryant Park and each of us took a seat on a chair and discussed things we liked and did not like about this course. Many of us shared some experiences too. Afterwards, we headed towards the New York Public Library. We walked through the library and got to see many people as they go about their daily lives either studying or doing some sort of work in this library. We sat in the main reading room of the library. You could hear a pin drop!
From there, we proceeded to Grand Central Terminal. I was beyond excited to go here because I have never been here before. The only pictures I have ever seen of Grand Central Terminal were the ones from the movies (and it looked JUST like the movies). It was interesting to learn that Penn Station once looked somewhat like Grand Central but later got torn down and is now what it is today. Penn Station is still a nice station, but being in Grand Central Terminal brightens up the mood. It seems so clean that you could kiss the floor (unlike Penn Station)! What is unique about Grand Central Terminal is the clock in the middle of floor on top of the booth. It is what Grand Central Terminal is most remembered by. With a little time to spare, we went to the Chrysler Building! Interestingly enough, this building is said to be one of the nine most beautiful buildings in the country by many architects.
Next was the Roosevelt Island Tram! The tram reminded me of a cable car. In order to get to Roosevelt Island, we needed to take this tram. The tram was hot, muggy, and humid (no AC)! I never thought I would see the day during this class that I would be so happy to actually get outside again (well, this was the day)! After arriving at Roosevelt Island, we walked to check out FDR Four Freedom's Park. This park site was absolutely gorgeous. The landscape was beautiful. The statue figures were magnificent. The water view was breathtaking. Need I say more? While on this island, I did not get a bad feeling at all (like I did in other parts of the city).
After exploring FDR Four Freedom's Park, we hopped on the subway to Jackson Heights. Here, some of us went to enjoy some Indian cuisine at the Jackson Diner while others were not so daring (like me) and went to find some other food. It was upsetting that we only had about thirty minutes for lunch (being that we walked so much before and it was extremely hot and humid - we felt we needed a longer break). But, we made do with the time that we had. When meeting back up with our whole class, we went to catch the subway to Astoria in order to head to a famous museum. The highlight of my day was when we lost half our class (some got on the wrong subway)! What I heard over and over again, I heard once more, "They'll just have to catch up." I have to admit, if I was the one who got lost, I probably would have went home!
Sure enough, we continued without those who went a separate way (but they caught up)! We headed towards the Queens Museum of the Moving Image. This is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Queens (BG, 499). We were greeted by a lady who gave us a brief description of what the museum contained and the role that New York City has played in film making. We then went about to explore the museum. The museum contained costumes from movies, pictures, and even more! This was by far my favorite museum we have explored.
Shortly after, we hopped back on the subway again to Long Island City. When we got off in Long Island City, where we first noticed MOMA P.S. 1. I was so excited to go inside because I learned that it was the first public school in Queens. However, MOMA P.S. 1 contained nothing of what I expected. It contained contemporary art. The content does not have a permanent collection, but there are several installations that are long term (BG, 495). Afterwards, we headed towards 5Pointz: The Institute of Higher Burnin'. Here, we explored the outdoor graffiti art on buildings. This art was unbelievable. People were creating art right in front of you. You could truly see this is their passion and they enjoy doing what they do. Following the graffiti wall in Long Island City, we headed towards Gantry Plaza State Park. The waterfront here was beautiful and it is great to see the way it is being integrated into the life of New York City.
By the time we hit our last stop, everyone was exhausted! We did not miss anything on our itinerary today. I highly recommend leaving Queens for the last class for all classes because it was just so much that it would probably have scared me if it were the first class! Afterwards, most of us caught the 7 train (subway) to Woodside and took the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to Jamaica. Then, we transferred to the Babylon train in order to get to our destinations. Our class is now over and I am ready to collapse!
From there, we proceeded to Grand Central Terminal. I was beyond excited to go here because I have never been here before. The only pictures I have ever seen of Grand Central Terminal were the ones from the movies (and it looked JUST like the movies). It was interesting to learn that Penn Station once looked somewhat like Grand Central but later got torn down and is now what it is today. Penn Station is still a nice station, but being in Grand Central Terminal brightens up the mood. It seems so clean that you could kiss the floor (unlike Penn Station)! What is unique about Grand Central Terminal is the clock in the middle of floor on top of the booth. It is what Grand Central Terminal is most remembered by. With a little time to spare, we went to the Chrysler Building! Interestingly enough, this building is said to be one of the nine most beautiful buildings in the country by many architects.
Next was the Roosevelt Island Tram! The tram reminded me of a cable car. In order to get to Roosevelt Island, we needed to take this tram. The tram was hot, muggy, and humid (no AC)! I never thought I would see the day during this class that I would be so happy to actually get outside again (well, this was the day)! After arriving at Roosevelt Island, we walked to check out FDR Four Freedom's Park. This park site was absolutely gorgeous. The landscape was beautiful. The statue figures were magnificent. The water view was breathtaking. Need I say more? While on this island, I did not get a bad feeling at all (like I did in other parts of the city).
After exploring FDR Four Freedom's Park, we hopped on the subway to Jackson Heights. Here, some of us went to enjoy some Indian cuisine at the Jackson Diner while others were not so daring (like me) and went to find some other food. It was upsetting that we only had about thirty minutes for lunch (being that we walked so much before and it was extremely hot and humid - we felt we needed a longer break). But, we made do with the time that we had. When meeting back up with our whole class, we went to catch the subway to Astoria in order to head to a famous museum. The highlight of my day was when we lost half our class (some got on the wrong subway)! What I heard over and over again, I heard once more, "They'll just have to catch up." I have to admit, if I was the one who got lost, I probably would have went home!
Sure enough, we continued without those who went a separate way (but they caught up)! We headed towards the Queens Museum of the Moving Image. This is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Queens (BG, 499). We were greeted by a lady who gave us a brief description of what the museum contained and the role that New York City has played in film making. We then went about to explore the museum. The museum contained costumes from movies, pictures, and even more! This was by far my favorite museum we have explored.
Shortly after, we hopped back on the subway again to Long Island City. When we got off in Long Island City, where we first noticed MOMA P.S. 1. I was so excited to go inside because I learned that it was the first public school in Queens. However, MOMA P.S. 1 contained nothing of what I expected. It contained contemporary art. The content does not have a permanent collection, but there are several installations that are long term (BG, 495). Afterwards, we headed towards 5Pointz: The Institute of Higher Burnin'. Here, we explored the outdoor graffiti art on buildings. This art was unbelievable. People were creating art right in front of you. You could truly see this is their passion and they enjoy doing what they do. Following the graffiti wall in Long Island City, we headed towards Gantry Plaza State Park. The waterfront here was beautiful and it is great to see the way it is being integrated into the life of New York City.
By the time we hit our last stop, everyone was exhausted! We did not miss anything on our itinerary today. I highly recommend leaving Queens for the last class for all classes because it was just so much that it would probably have scared me if it were the first class! Afterwards, most of us caught the 7 train (subway) to Woodside and took the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to Jamaica. Then, we transferred to the Babylon train in order to get to our destinations. Our class is now over and I am ready to collapse!
Impressions of New York
As most of my friends say, I will always be a Long Island girl. This class has definitely helped me better acquaint myself with the city of New York. It has shaped me in a more positive way in order to get around this crazy city.
What I have found most through my experience is that no matter where you go, whether it be to a tropical island or to a crazy city like New York, there will be nice places and not so nice places. In order to get to some these places, you need to take the subway (which I never knew how to take as far as the letters or numbers - where they leaded you to)! Now, I can confidently say I know much more than I did! I know that the 1,2,3, or E train will get you back to Penn Station. When I go to my next Yankee game, I know I can take either the D or the 4 to get to Yankee Stadium. Before starting this class, I always associated the subways with the words, dirty and uncleanliness. I was never aware of the fact that the subways actually do have air conditioning. I was also never aware of how much art New York City contained (even though I am not a huge art person). I thoroughly enjoyed looking at people's passions.
New York City will always be the city that I associate with lights and bright yellow taxi's where the cab drivers go greatly over the speed limit. It will always be the place where you do not wait for the light to change when crossing a street. New York is pretty crazy but, New York is home to many, and it is home to me.
What I have found most through my experience is that no matter where you go, whether it be to a tropical island or to a crazy city like New York, there will be nice places and not so nice places. In order to get to some these places, you need to take the subway (which I never knew how to take as far as the letters or numbers - where they leaded you to)! Now, I can confidently say I know much more than I did! I know that the 1,2,3, or E train will get you back to Penn Station. When I go to my next Yankee game, I know I can take either the D or the 4 to get to Yankee Stadium. Before starting this class, I always associated the subways with the words, dirty and uncleanliness. I was never aware of the fact that the subways actually do have air conditioning. I was also never aware of how much art New York City contained (even though I am not a huge art person). I thoroughly enjoyed looking at people's passions.
New York City will always be the city that I associate with lights and bright yellow taxi's where the cab drivers go greatly over the speed limit. It will always be the place where you do not wait for the light to change when crossing a street. New York is pretty crazy but, New York is home to many, and it is home to me.