With only 2 weeks left in NYC, I decided to create a video that aims to capture the essence of the city and the spirit of its residents. I wanted to showcase the qualities of this city that I adore; the dynamic energy, colorful diversity and sense of endless possibility and wonder. For me, it is these characteristics that make this city so incredible. Here is New York from my perspective, condensed into one and a half minutes. Enjoy!
I got to spend 28 hours in Philadelphia over the weekend. I caught the train to Philly from New York on Friday at noon. I arrived in the city at 2pm on Friday and left the following day at 6pm via BoltBus (only $10 – totally worth it!). Philadelphia is a colorful city rich in history, culture and unique in character. Despite the brief trip, I managed to pack in quite a few of the major attractions of the city, to my surprise. Within 28 hours, I was able to (aka my recommendations): Enjoy a campus tour of the University of Pennsylvania: I was fortunate to have been given a tour of UPenn by a family friend who is currently pursuing his PhD here. This Ivy League school was founded by Benjamin Franklin and is one of the first universities in the U.S. Visit Liberty Bell: The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American independence. Check out Independence Hall: Independence Hall is where both the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted. Catch a glimpse of Magic Gardens: Although I didn’t make …
I’ve decided to start a photo series and commentary centered around the neighborhoods and cities I’ve visited. To kick off this passion project, I’ll begin with one of my favorite neighborhoods in New York – East Village. A Cultural Melting Pot of Art, History and Good Food I moved to the East Village last September. Over the past 6 months, I’ve enjoyed exploring all this eclectic neighborhood has to offer. The more I discover, the deeper my fascination. The East Village — the blocks east of the Bowery between Houston and 14th Streets, was once considered to be part of the Lower East Side, but began to develop its own unique identity and culture in the late 1960s, when a flurry of artists, musicians, students and hippies began to move into the area. The neighborhood has since emerged as a center of the counterculture in New York, and is regarded as the birthplace of several artistic movements, including punk rock and the Nuyorican literary movement. It has also been the site of protests and riots. Although in recent decades it has been argued that gentrification has transformed the character of the neighborhood, East Village is …
Sarah Ong 