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I have found that New York City inspires people to do things independently.  I find myself with the desire to discover the city on my own.  Just the other day, I woke up feeling motivated and headed out for a day out in the city alone.  I chose Greenwich Village to explore and had one of the most refreshing and satisfying days I have had here thus far. 

For class last Wednesday, we read Daniel Okrent’s Great Fortune, a fascinating account of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and the building of Rockefeller Center.  I was reminded of the book later in the week when I watched the film Ocean’s Eleven. 

Has New York pride become the ability to squeeze in the crossword puzzle on the subway ride home and fitting in with the routine coffee scene?  Or is it still our unconditional work ethic and love of diversity?

When I first arrived, everything was foreign to me.  Every aspect of my experience here was a stark contrast to what I had known in both Connecticut and at Hamilton College.  But after spending a month here, I have begun to incorporate New York City culture into my world.  I am no longer observing this unique environment and comparing it to my familiar environments.  Instead, I am identifying New York City as an integral part of my personal experience. 

Dartmouth College Professor of Classics James Tatum will present the classics department’s Winslow Lecture, “Literacy and Liberation: African-American Writers and The Classical Tradition," on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 4:10 p.m. in the Science Auditorium.

Internationally renowned philosopher Richard Rorty will speak as part of the Truax Lecture Series in Philosophy on Monday, March 1. His lecture, "Moral Absolutism and Torture" will begin at 7 p.m. in the Fillius Events Barn.

The cab driver pulled up to our building, but he was still a little out in the road, which caused a small backup of cars behind us. With horns blaring and people yelling, I tried to pay my fare and gather my belongings as fast as possible. In the chaos, I forgot one important thing: Always check the cab before you get out.

Leaving the subway station, my eyes adjusted to the daylight and took in the 360-degree view of Astor Place.  Starbucks are everywhere.  What existed before the stores I may never know.  The logical reason for having four of the same stores within a square block I may never understand.  What I did comprehend was the importance of Peter’s words, the message of the film, and the startling realization that if I didn’t have a venti cafe latte with skim milk, I might not be able to stay awake in class. 

Ironically, as I walked with my headphones on, I began to notice more.  With all the noise blocked out except for the music, I could concentrate better on other sights and focus on an object or person without being distracted by a squeaky subway track, a baby crying or a barking dog.

When our group arrived we found out that our visit had two parts, indoor and outdoor.  The latter informed us about the tenements, which are such a part New York City’s history, and also about neighborhoods and people of the Lower East Side. With the cold snap finally over, we had a refreshing, interesting, and informative stroll through a famous part of New York.