In the age old tradition of J-term trips, everyone NOT going on one keeps on reminding all of us that it will be wonderful. Yesterday Bea and I met and went over a possible itinerary for all the places we'll visit in New York. Yup, it will be wonderful. I can't believe that I'll actually be photographing Coney Island, visiting the Guggenheim, and seeing Wicked on Broadway. It almost feels like I'll be living in one of the movies about New York that I've seen so many times. That won't really be me on the Subway, but Kate Winslet playing Jamie Forslund in Steven Speilburg's The Big Lutheran Adventure!

New York City is a metropolis of contrasts: for some its' metaphor is
the City of Oz while for others the city's formidable complexity
suggests the notion of Gotham. Complex cities have complex
stereotypes. When viewed as Oz, New York City seems to be that place of
enchantment where there is a magical promise to realize individual
dreams, desires, and aspirations. It is a unique place where
originality and individuality of voice is nourished by participation
in a society inspired by a plurality of cultures. The core of this
city is its vitality whose emblems are the museums, theaters,

With less than a week until we board the plane and fly off for an exciting adventure in the Big Apple, I can hardly believe it's actually going to happen. I've been to New York twice, once in November of 2004 and then again in November of 2005. Both trips were for three days on a tight budget, with group of friends. In 2004 we slept on a friend's dorm room floor at NYU and the second trip we stayed at a youth hostel called Jazz on The Park. I can't believe that this time we get to go for three weeks and sleep in real beds!
New York is so overwhelming. There are so many people and there is so much to do and see. I'm especially looking forward to our days in the museums and seeing Wicked. I think we are all going to learn a lot while in New York. We'll learn about art of course but I think we'll also experience a culture in our own country that is so very different from our own. I can't wait!

In only four days I will start my adventure in New York City. I am very excited to spend time in a city I have only seen in photos, television shows and movies. I'm from a very small town and I anxiously await the diversity a large city like New York brings. I also can't wait to start the photography aspect of the class. Photography has always been something that interests me, but I've never really made adequate time to know the ins and outs. Through being a psychology and math major, I haven't had much time for elective classes and I am excited to focus on art in a way that I never have before. I think through this trip and complete focus on one subject, I will gain a new appreciation for art and creativity.

Wow, three days left! It is bizarre to think that I will be living in a different city for three weeks, and experiencing a melting pot of cultures through art and day to day interactions. This will be my second time going to New York City. The first time I traveled with my high school band and performed in the Macy's Day Parade, but now, I will be traveling to experience much more than a couple tourist destinations. There is something about New York that is able to capture your heart...your very being, and not hold it confined but rather relinquish freedom. For centuries, New York has stood as a symbol of freedom, hope, and prosperity...all that this country is said to offer. There's a magic that seems to find every crevice of the city, and although it is always evident, it is more so at night. Times Square shares a glow and life that is so powerful it seems capable of healing any crisis that resides in your soul. It's magnificent. Breathtaking. I look forward to standing as an individual in the glow of the light, but knowing that I am a part of something much bigger. I hope that I am able to capture one image (although I will be taking many) that can truly capture the very essence of the city.

Well I'm just finishing up my packing. Off to the big city. I'm not sure how I feel right now. I'm super excited but also anxious. What if I forget to pack something? What if my luggage gets lost? What if -I- get lost? More than anything, I'm ready to go. I can't wait to get on that plane and spend some time out of my element. I've never been to New York. Yet I already know I'll love it there. I'm excited to see what kind of photos I can make in the big beautiful city. So much to do and see in the next few weeks. I better get back to that luggage.

So I have never gone to a big city before so I am kind of nervous about getting around by bus, taxi, subway, ect. and finding where I need to go. I have been down to Florida so I have made my to the east coast but never to "the big city". In high school I took two years of intro photography but that was with a 35mm film camera so taking a digital class will be a new experience.

We began by flying from SeaTac to Newark on a long 4 hour ride. As we stepped off the plane the airport was crowded and we spent the evening in several lines waiting for things. Finally, the blue shuttle bus swept us from NJ to the Big apple. Columbia wasn’t what I thought it would be. The four of us guys are in one room and Bea decided that it would be the official meeting room. Dinner was finally had after spending some time walking the streets mostly down Broadway. Pizza was on our menu. We ate and returned to our new homes.

After spending all day yesterday moving into the International House, we got down to really taking some photos today, and honestly, I couldn't be happier. My goal for coming to New York was to learn new technique, to practice, and to get some shots out of my portfolio for it. So far I've yet to be disappointed, the scenery in New York has been GREAT, and we haven't even strayed ten miles from the dorms here on Campus! Some of my favorite shots haven't necessarily even been of the architecture and skyline here, a few have been very abstract pieces of everyday scenery.

Today was our first full day in the city. A few of us woke up early to explore the neighborhood and buy breakfast. We ended up at a little bakery on broadway, full of New Yorkers in their black coats, many drinking coffee and reading the news. We had class for a bit and then headed out to take photos at The Riverside Church. A beautiful, historical church only a block or so away from the International House. Something that really struck me was that the church was hoppin' with diverse members of the community the whole time we were there.