New York City Trip ~ 2025
Buena Vista Social Club & Walking tour
April 23rd, 2025 marks my second New York City combined Global Studies and Creative Arts trip. This year's trip started off with a walking tour at Columbus Circle, where we were given the instructions to walk around for a few minutes and look for global connections. The most memorable thing I saw was chalk written all over the sidewalk/ walking area of the monument. Specifically this phrase written in blue chalk, “¡Oye ICE Nos Quedamos!” this is translated to “Watch out ICE we’re staying!” This quotation is a public display of protest and standing one's ground. It is so vital in a time like today, specifically within our political world, to fight against horrific wrongdoings and to protest for making things right. Some additional language/ quotes I saw were “Free Palestine”, “Tax the rich” and “Capitalism is murder.” After absorbing the chalk protest of sorts, I started to watch the way people would interact with the messages written on the floor. Some people would completely ignore it, some people would take photos, many would consciously or subconsciously walk over the chalk, and some including myself tried their best to not disturb the delicate chalk. This I found very interesting and was one of the most notable parts of the walking tour for me.
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Later in the day after having a delicious meal with a few of my peers, Gaby, Owen, and Conner at “Dos Caminos” in Times Square we headed to Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre to see the “Buena Vista Social Club.” I was so excited to see this Broadway musical. We had done some work in global studies regarding the history behind the story thus I had some prior knowledge. I have always loved watching plays, especially on a professional level such as on Broadway. I also feel I appreciate them more having acted in a multitude of plays. This play brought Cuba to NYC! The actors were amazing, the costumes and set as well, but for me the most astonishing part was the live band that was a part of the entire play. Even if they were not performing, the band cast members were still on the stage towards the edges of the set, typically against a wall. This style of musical was nothing I had ever seen before, giving me chills multiple times and making my eyes water, as well. The culture was not only on the stage but it was within the theater surrounding me. With viewers of all ages cheering and singing along to the beat. This has honestly been one of my favorite performances in a long time!