Remembering 911

As much of the whole world knows today, Osama bin Laden has finally been discovered and ultimately killed. After hiding out for a little over nine years, we finally discovered his where abouts in Pakistan and set out to end two decades worth of evil and terrorism. I find it interesting that yesterday afternoon, possibly while the mission was being executed I visited the World Trade Center Memorial. It is a solemn experience to visit this site where almost a decade ago our country was struck with the evil plan from an evil man. Upon finding out about the death of Osama, a few of us loaded the live streaming of Obama’s speech (Since we don’t have a television). He spoke of "Justice having been done" and "Images of 9/11 seared into our national memory". It was a speech our nation has been waiting to hear for almost a decade. In my opinion today was a day of history. Thousands flocked to Ground Zero to pay their respects and shout praises of American. Many carried around flags, waiving them in the air proudly showing their patriotic love. Still others gave interviews to the dozens of camera crews stationed at various points around Ground Zero. Everywhere I looked news reporters were giving live telecasts about not only the death of Osama, but remembering those who died on 9/11. Everywhere I went it was a fight and a struggle to get through the masses. Although the NYPD were doing their best to keep foot traffic moving while being on high alert, it was impossible due to the thousands who congregated to the site. As I walked around for about an hour I saw people of every ethnicity, from all over the world paying their respects. It was one of the most touching and thoughtful moments of my life. As I was getting ready to leave I decided to walk through the cemetery at St. Paul’s. It was at this point Mayor Rudi Giuliani gave an impromptu speech to a few of us gathered. Speaking once again of justice and freedom. At the end of his speech, a woman carrying an American flag began crying; he hugged her and spoke words unheard by the rest of us gathered around him. Although unknown, it was obvious that his words touched her in a way that was emotionally needed. I left Ground Zero that day very thankful for what I have. Not only do I live in a country where I can do as I please and live the life I want, but there are men and women who are giving their lives every day for us. Just like the men and women who risked their lives to save those a decade ago on 9/11. We should all take this day and remember those who died a decade ago. It was a very humbling experience.

Not All We Do is Art Related

Sometimes it's just good to stop and smell the roses. Or in this case the cherry blossoms. Today, with its gorgeous weather and peak season for blooming, we made our way to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. I will admit that this is personally one of my favorite stops, and no doubt, the others will agree. After making our way down the path, we are greeted with the fluffy pink tops of the rows of cherry blossom trees.Though it is only day eight of our four week stay in NYC, this trip to the Gardens was a worthwhile break. After going through our first gauntlet of galleries and museum visits, it was a nice break to have some time to relax amongst these beautiful trees. Of course, we all had our ideas of what that meant. There were some sketching, taking pictures and some napping in the warm sun. Even our professor got some z's in the grass.

We didn't spend forever in the cherry blossom grove. We also went forth to explore the different mini floral environments that the Botanical Gardens had to offer. From tropical to desert to marsh, we walked amongst a wide variety of plant life - just taking our time and enjoying the beautiful scenery that was around us. We eventually made a pit stop at the gift shop and slowly made our way to the exit.

That was, of course, not before stopping by the pond where we were able to see a lot of koi fish and turtles swimming around.

After spending some time there, we eventually had to make our leave, trading the beauty for the garden for the equal beauty for the treasures we saw at the Brooklyn Museum of Art. There we wandered the halls of European painting, American Art, and the special exhibit of the Tipi: Heritage of the Great Plains. We were even able to go inside one - and man, are they bigger than we expected!

Even after spending the day earlier in the week at the National Museum of the American Indian, we were amazed and drawn to the different items that this exhibit held. From the tipis to the ornamentation and apparel of this culture, there was something for each of us to look at.

Of course, the whole museum, nay the whole day was full of gems that no doubt each and every one of us will cherish and take away even after this trip has ended. We also know that this is just one more day in the fast-paced, jam-packed world that is NYC and our experience throughout the next three weeks will be just as amazing and incredible as today was. It's going to be an exciting month - let's just hope the city is ready for us...