Chicago / New York Study Tour Blog

Walking Dead

Posted on July 22, 2015 by hfarrelly15

Group Shot in front of ‘The Bean’.

I’m very thankful for being given the opportunity to be included in this amazing trip to Chicago and New York City. I have gained so much knowledge and perspective from the past two weeks on the architectural elements of both cities. Being able to learn more about my research topic and see Frank Lloyd Wright’s work in the flesh was an amazing experience, I will never forget. It was a great chance to make new friends whether they were in the same degree or not or even year level. All teaching staff were very easy to get along with which made them approachable which followed through the whole trip. Having a first successful overseas trip makes me feel I have caught the travel bug. Now after recovering from the jet lag and the blisters on my feet are beginning to heal I shall leave you now as this is my final blog, it has been an excellent way of remembering the trip through this documentation.

Day 11/ Day 12

Posted on July 22, 2015 by hfarrelly15

This was the last morning in New York before leaving for the airport for 1 of 3 flights to get home. I spent the morning catching up on some much needed sleep and making sure I packed all my luggage ready to go. The first flight was from Newark Airport to LAX which is about a 6 hour flight. From there it was LAX Airport to Sydney which was a 15 hour flight #verylong, however I slept most of the flight which helped pass the time compared to when we flew over. Then for the final flight, Sydney to Adelaide which is about an 1 1/2 hour flight, unfortunately our flight got delayed which annoyed most of us as we were so close and ready to come home.

Overall this was an amazing trip and I’m so glad I was given the opportunity to come to Chicago and New York for two weeks as it has opened my eyes and given me inspiration for my studies. I’m glad I chose to look at Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture (Robie House, Chicago and Guggenheim Museum, New York) as it is something I’m quite passionate about and I have thoroughly enjoyed learning and seeing these structures personally.

Day 10

Posted on July 22, 2015 by hfarrelly15

Walking through Central Park was incredible as the morning was superb. We walked a different way from where we had gone previously as this gave us a change of scenery showing us another route through Central Park. We walked this way as it led to the Guggenheim Museum, I was very excited to arrive there as this was a major part of my research topic I’m studying.

Central Park

Central Park

Immediately walking into the Guggenheim I was over whelmed by what a fantastic space it is. Researching over the internet the photos don’t do it justice when standing there and looking up appreciating the space. We experienced it the way Frank Lloyd Wright designed it, we took the lift to the top level and worked our way down the spiral platform. This really gets you involved within the art work exhibits and overall atmosphere of the museum. Absolutely loved this place, would have to be my favourite museum that I visited on the whole trip. I’m glad that I chose this for my research topic.

Shot from the exterior of the Guggenheim Museum

Interior shot of Guggenheim Museum

In the afternoon we decided we were going to go on a 90 minute boat cruise as this is the best way to see the city. There were several boat cruise options to choose from but we went with the ‘Express Statue of Liberty’ as you get to see the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. It was another great day so I was able to capture some amazing shots of this. (See below)

View from the back of the boat

World Trade Centre

The Brooklyn Bridge

Statue of Liberty

Looking onto the city from the boat

Arriving back at the hotel at 5:30 ish was a good time as I was able to slowly pack my bags, grab something to eat and be organised for the flights back home the next day.

Day 9

Posted on July 22, 2015 by hfarrelly15

Walked the high line this morning – wow! It was absolutely beautiful. The weather was great again today creating awesome photographs. Walking the actual high line didn’t take long as this was due to the paradise sanctuary feel that you get when walking along, making you forget that the city is all around you. Even when you do look beyond the “world you feel you are in” and start to see the city you get amazing glimpses of street art, culture and the local atmosphere. Combining the two really puts them both in perspective and shows that James Corner Field Operations design really captivated what they were trying to achieve with taking you on this peaceful journey.

Showing the High Line in it’s beauty.

Walking along the High Line

High line with a view

After walking the high line – along the way one of the girls realized that there was a printing institute down one of the streets, so we headed back along the high line until we came across it and checked it out. It was a small art printing gallery which had some really interesting pieces in it, quite inspirational.

MOMA museum was scheduled for the afternoon and what a great museum to finish the set itinerary. It had plenty of exhibits with many pieces of work in each. I was able to track down some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s furniture that he designed. I found this to be quite interesting. Just walking through each museum display made you really take in your surrounding atmosphere.

Christine and I were very keen to see the Rockefeller building which gives you a 360 degree view of New York City. It was an exceptional day so why wouldn’t you want to look out over New York, from the 96th floor and get some awesome photos with the amazing weather and view. Finally reaching the top of the building and being able to see over the city really was something else, quite breath taking. Being able to see those iconic buildings that you recognise from movies and in pictures, the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building and the famous Central Park and many more.

Panorama of the city

Overlooking the city and seeing the famous Empire State Building

Overlooking Central Park

That night we were seeing a women’s basketball game (WNBA) New York Liberty vs the Connecticut Suns at Madison Square Garden. We were running slightly late from being at the Rockefeller building and then we got stuck in traffic after catching a taxi back to the hotel. Finally getting back and rushing up to the hotel room grabbing the tickets Christine and I had to get our run on to Madison Square Garden as we were cutting it fine. But thankfully we made it and only missed the first two minutes. The atmosphere was crazy !! Loved every minute of it – great first basketball game!! Can’t wait to come back see an actual NBA game.

Outside Madison Square Garden

View from inside Madison Square Garden

Day 8

Posted on July 22, 2015 by hfarrelly15

This morning we were walking from Wall Street to Midtown. To put this in perspective that’s walking from one side of New York to the other this being about 6 hours of straight walking. Now this was suppose to be a full day of walking however the weather had a different idea as we had made our way from Wall street to Brooklyn Bridge area and it began to rain heavily, with it not slowing down anytime soon. It was so heavy that the whole group looked like we had just hopped out of the shower. #drenched. As it rained properly and because we were so wet you began to feel slightly cold as the breeze picked up but at least the humidity had stopped for a few hours.

Looking down Wall Street

This photo shows that we were in the financial district.

Walking towards the new World Trade Centre

City Hall

Even though the weather wasn’t the greatest I was able to see the famous Times Square, walk along Broadway, Wall Street and see the September 11 Memorial. This was something I really wanted to see whilst in New York – and being there was incredibly special, what a beautiful memorial. Unfortunately I didn’t get time to see the actual Memorial Museum but that will be on my list for when I go back one day. A very tranquil, peaceful memorial with an incredible water feature. A beautiful monument to those lost on that day with every person’s name etched forever in the border surrounding the footing.

September 11 Memorial

As the weather wasn’t letting up Thomas called off the rest of the walk as everyone was drenched and decided it was better to spend time at another museum/ place that was under cover. I wanted to see the META museum and luckily so did other members from the group so we went together. Spending a few hours patrolling through another incredible museum with the many exhibits was so enlightening. Walking through Central Park was absolutely beautiful, so much greenery and natural beauty it’s just a lovely break from the “concrete jungle” and always busy New York City, you almost feel like your in another place.

Tonight two other girls and myself had previously booked a Broadway show and that was “CHICAGO”, how ironic seeing the Broadway show in New York City. I really loved this as it was a great break from the trip as you sat for a couple of hours and enjoyed the performance, it was comical, serious and yet was truthful in how it was told. #10outof10

Chicago the Musical

Meeting up with the other girls we went to a bar in the city for a ten dollar stand up comedy show. It didn’t start until 10:30 pm – we got there just in time as it was starting and what a fun filled couple of hours the show was. Really topped the night off by finishing on a high note. Thoroughly enjoyed it for 10 dollars.

Day 7

Posted on July 22, 2015 by hfarrelly15

Woke up at a bracing time of 5:00am to be ready and on our way by 5:50am. Spending the morning in the airport waiting for our 1 1/2 hour flight to Newark Airport. Arriving in New York City in the middle of the afternoon we had to burn some time as we couldn’t check into our hotel until 3pm.

Thomas had organised his son to give us a quick guided tour around New York. We were able to go through the famous Times Square and around the city centre to get our bearings of the city. Times square was #absolutebedlamcomparedtochicago. Whilst walking around it was very humid and as we continued to walk further from the hotel the weather decided to rain lightly but constantly until we made our way back to the hotel this creating more of a humid, sticky feeling.

Times Square

Times Square

Naked Cowboy (performing in Times Square)

Day 6

Posted on July 22, 2015 by hfarrelly15

Last day in Chicago – see why I didn’t want to leave? Absolutely beautiful day.

Monday was our day off and unfortunately our last day in Chicago before jetting off to New York early Tuesday morning. I was very excited this morning as I was going to an aquarium for the first time, Chicago’s Aquarium. Spending the whole morning strolling through the aquarium I was able to see a dolphin show and many sea creatures up close and personal – it was a really special experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it – I took many photos which I have shared below.

Clown Fish

Sea snake swimming throughout the very colourful coral.

Waiting for the Dolphin show to begin.

The very colourful jellyfish.

In the afternoon I went for a quick shopping trip with the girls before returning to my hotel room to start packing and making sure my bag was under the weight limit of 50 pounds (23 kgs) for the early flight tomorrow morning.

Day 5

Posted on July 12, 2015 by hfarrelly15

This morning was a casual morning, this has been the best morning of the trip so far as we were able to have a small rest (sleep in). It gave me the opportunity to finalize blogs with up to date information and to edit the appropriate photos I needed to upload for my blog. Last night as I’ve already written about how we hired the $7 city bikes for 24 hours, we used the bikes again in the afternoon to ride up the coast to the beach which was a great way to sight see and also save our sore feet.

The Bikes we hired for 24 hours.

The night before the view was awesome but riding on a beautifully sunny day was exquisite. Photos do not do it justice. It was a 30 – 40 minute ride by the time we got to one of the beaches. Riding was a much better option than walking as it saves so much time and you are able to soak in the atmosphere easily because you feel more like a local. Again as the weather was amazing it made for a special day giving picturesque views and shots.

Looking back to the city on our ride to the beach.

Upon the arrival at the beach after lunch we decided to grab some “American standard food”. Grabbing myself a hot dog – now I’m going to be honest I didn’t think it was that different to our Australian hot dog’s but it still tasted good and eased the hunger. Interestingly enough you get given a packet of original chips rather than fries (Chips as we call them in Australia).

Shots of the beach. Beautiful day.

Spending the afternoon relaxing on the beach close to the water was a really nice way to spend a perfect day in Chicago. The sand seemed to be slightly more clingy than what I’m use to at home – I know it sounds silly but that’s my opinion. Laying and soaking up the rays was beautiful – thinking how lucky we all are not having to be at home in cold Winter conditions.

After being at the beach all afternoon we decided to go inland and explore some of the suburban areas. We checked out Belmont road / area as this was the place to go shopping and get a nice meal for a decent price. As it was a late Sunday afternoon most of the shops were either closing or had closed so the shopping idea soon diminished. Then on the prowl to find something to eat, we were lucky as we came across this delicious place where we ate dinner, Banh Mi & Co where we ate a very delicious Vietnamese roll. See pictures below of you don’t believe me.

Banh Mi & Co. #deliciousmeal

The very yummy roll I ate for dinner, so scrumptious.

Riding back to the City was a great 40 minutes as the sun was setting and the day was cooling off and the atmosphere around the beach and the parkland areas was magnificent. Really felt like we belonged. It truly is an amazing city, I’m so happy I was given the opportunity to come and see this incredible place.

A panorama of the view when riding back to the hotel after a relaxing day sight seeing.

Day 4

Posted on July 12, 2015 by hfarrelly15

Visiting the field museum this morning was amazing as you were able to see so many great things within the varied exhibitions. I wanted to see The Vikings exhibition which is only on for a limited time at the Field Museum so seeing that was very interesting. The other exhibit that I had to see was the dinosaurs – all I can say is wow! Loved every minute of it I was so glad I was able to see it. Seeing the skeletal remains really blew my mind as they were larger than first imagined (see the photos below) of just how awesome the exhibit was. These were the two main exhibits that I spent the most time at but I also walked through the others to see what they offered – I honestly enjoyed myself so much. Unfortunately I couldn’t spend longer as I needed to get back to the hotel and go with the group to see the Fredrick C Robie House ( this being important as this involves my research topic).

Field Museum from the front entrance.

Seeing the Dinosaur Exhibit was awesome.

ROBIE HOUSE

Saturday evening we felt like exploring the city more as there is so much to see and do. Whilst riding to Navy Pier we came across the fact that you get a free firework show at 10:30 pm. It reminds me of a much larger Adelaide Show. The girls and I decided we would hire the $7 bikes which you have for 24 hours and ride to the Pier. Even though the weather was slightly wet and humid it was still worth going and experiencing the evening. Having a ride on the Ferris wheel gave all of us an awesome view back over the city, looking out at the water and over the Pier #amazing. Riding the bikes back home from the Pier was awesome as the view was incredible riding along the water front, seeing the many yachts lined up in the water. I took several photos but it doesn’t do it justice of what you actually see. I will be sad to say goodbye to this beautiful city.

View from the front entrance of Navy Pier.

I really love this shot as it shows off how awesome Navy Pier is at night.

I took this photo as I thought the reflection of the Ferris wheel was really interesting.

Day 3

Posted on July 11, 2015 by hfarrelly15

Today we spent the morning at Oak Park, Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio. This was something I knew I was going to be interested in, why you ask, well as you would’ve read in my research proposal my topic is on Frank Lloyd Wright’s Architecture (Robie House, Chicago & Guggenheim Museum, New York).

Oak Park House

Oak Park House and Studio

I thought that this was pretty cool and had to take a snap of it.

From today’s tour here are some of my notes I took which I thought were interesting and will help me with building information for my research.

Wright looked at the house being human/ living
Strong geometrical mass throughout the designed home/ studio
He designed the home so it would fit in with the Northern Suburb
No curtains are used throughout the home by doing this it shows off his designed diamond glass windows, gives spacial opportunity and let’s copious amounts of natural light in
Interior detailing of the home – having bay windows, decor on the ceilings
Series of doors through the home
Each room has a fireplace as he believed that it was the heart/ beam of the home
More intimate spaces by creating built in window seats
In the first room of Oak Park House, Wright placed a mirror above the fireplace to allude that the space continues on
Wright built his studio next to his home as he wanted to be close to family, by doing this he made sure he made a special passage way to get through to each places. This was only used my the man himself.
The home is Victorian styled which usually has a cluttered appearance but he liked to have things clean and he would’ve called organic
Lots of wood used throughout the design of the home
The dining room in the house was re-modeled in 1987
Also having the feature of a half octagon
Artificial skylight above dining table
GEOMETRY !!!!
Wright appeared to have interest in Japanese architecture as it has a major art influence
Furniture throughout the home was designed by Wright himself so it would then align with the rest of the house
Half octagonal shaped roof in studio
Wall doesn’t meet the roof to show the ceiling space – this giving one of the many unique touches to the home/ studio spaces
In his studio he created a grove in the wall so when the door was opened it would fit right in – this being a minor detail but an efficient one
Bedroom includes two murals with four very stylish/ well designed pendent lights
Hallway had a narrow appearance

You could tell that Wright understood what he was doing and that he was a talented man in the architectural field as he thought about every individual detail. He not only designed homes but furniture too as he had an eye in setting up a unique room.

After an eventful morning of touring Oak Park House the girls and I decided we would go and suss out the shopping scene, spending the whole afternoon going from store to store made us not only appreciate the shopping here but we were beginning to find our way in this large City.

Having the option to either go to Chinatown or Pilsen, I chose Pilsen. Pilsen is the Mexico in Chicago – what an amazing evening this was. I would’ve loved to have seen this suburb 10-15 years ago as it would’ve been such a colourful, vibrant and cultural place, even now there is so much character but in an earlier time it would’ve been the place to be. The Mexican culture is incredible, the food, painted street art/ sculptures, music, vintage stores by the mile and the locals. As I was saying if you visited this place a few years earlier you would’ve seen people dancing in the street with loud music being played live creating a crazy atmosphere.

Took this photo after catching the subway to Pilsen.

Street Art

Looking at Pilsen architecture

Pilsen architecture and street art

Looking down the ‘main street’ of Pilsen.

Overall today as been a great day and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself gaining more knowledge that will stay with me for years to come. Today was the first time we properly left the Chicago city centre to venture further into the suburban areas.