Activity 8.1

In this activity we, being Group 2, decided to take Group 1 on the first field trip to Roosevelt Island. Matt led the tour starting from E. 68th St and we walked to the E train at 63rd. It only took a few minutes to get there because it was only one stop away.


Upon arrival there what we saw was instantly beautiful. As soon as you step out the train station the first thing you see is the water and what I believe to be Cherry blossoms. Looking out from the water you can see the Queensboro bridge, the FDR drive, and the Tram. To begin our tour, Matt told us the basics of the Island. Once upon a time there was an insane assylum there. He told us that the way the island worked- there was a lighthouse near the end of the island, the further north we went the more we came across middle class and lower class residents,etc. We started walking through Roosevelt Island and we saw the stores they had. It seemed like they weren't even apart of Manhattan. It was more like a little town in itself. Next we went to a residential area but it was private property. This made me think back to Private vs. Public spheres. Although the island seemed to be like a tourist attraction it did indeed have its private spaces. Next we saw the theater. It was reminded me of the outdoor theater in Central Park. It was just a small space with an elavated area(the stage) and concrete bleachers. As we began to leave we passed a Japanese restaurant that I definitely plan on going back to. Lastly we saw the Tram. Unfortunately it was out of service but when it would be working again, if I decided to go back the Tram runs from Midtown to Roosevelt Island. It even works with a normal metrocard.

I really liked going on this activity. Our tour guide knew how to keep the tour running smoothly and interesting. Even if going alone, Roosevelt Island is a great place to explore because they even have a tourist center. I would definitely go back.