Friday, August 08, 2008

Grand Central Terminal

One of the best kept secrets in NYC is the FREE walking tour of Grand Central Station. The tour is run by an urban historian, Justin Ferate. He is bright and vivacious and makes the tour exciting. Beware if you take it. The website says it lasts 90 minutes but we toured and heard facts for three hours. Main entrance of Grand Central Terminal--note it is not Grand Central Station.
The 45th St exit leads to this building which is right behind the main entrance. A little known fact: Grand Central runs from 38th St all the way up to the 90's along Park Ave.
Ceiling lights. Grand Central was built to make people feel important.
Glass panels--if you look carefully you can see a man working behind glass. These panels were built so people could see each other from all angles and interact with each other.
Glass panel. (Met Life Building in the background)


Passing time with the ticket agent. Our guide--he did not mind getting down on the floor to illustrate a point.
Oyster Bar--supposedly great food but our guide said it is not a good place to find love.
Campbell apartment. John Campbell moved into Grand Central because it was the biggest single room in NYC. It was used for an office, a museum and many galas were held here. Today it is a magnificent bar, restored to its original glory.
Original glass jars
The paneled ceiling.
And last, but certainly not least, the train.

2 comments:

JUSTICE not "just us" said...

I was once asked by a non teacher why teachers need a two month vacation and what do teachers do with all that time off. Of course those of us who have families know what to do with their time.

In my case as in yours I explore the world around me to take back the things I have discovered to my students when the academic year begins. After all isn't that what you would want from your child's teacher to open up the mind of your child to new and exciting things that this city and world have to offer. As bad as things are in New York City teaching for those of us who care about the minds of our charges I still think it it the best job in the world!
And yes these two months off are great to learn and explore so that you can share them later on.

EHT said...

I enjoyed going to Union Station in Washington D.C., but I see from your pictures I'm missing a real gem in NYC. Hope I can get up there soon!