Project 1.5 Walking by Romina Espinoza

Starting off my walk 6:00pm

rominae2445 — 2024-10-20 22:19:13 UTC

I decided to walk around my neighborhood, specifically around my elementary/middle school. It's fairly close to Flushing Meadows Park so I did most of my walking there.

My elementary/middle school 6:08pm

rominae2445 — 2024-10-21 01:27:29 UTC

It's been a while since I've been around here, but it was nice to see that most things have stayed the same.

6:10

rominae2445 — 2024-10-21 02:29:13 UTC

As I walked I had the ideas of Springgay and Truman in my head. I believe what most stood out to me at this moment was walking past the houses of my middle school friends. Meanwhile, I was also thinking about how I view a lot of things differently now that I am 18 rather than 14.

Flushing Meadows Park 6:17

rominae2445 — 2024-10-21 02:32:19 UTC

When I got to the park, the first thing I noticed were all the groups of people playing volleyball. As my neighborhood is mostly latino populated, I've always felt I fit in but this time I thought about how people of other ethnicities might feel. This feeling of being left out might make individuals not enjoy their time here, but I believe a lot of people in this park are very welcoming and are always excited to share their culture.

Sharing cultures

rominae2445 — 2024-10-21 12:09:06 UTC

Throughout the year, at Flushing Meadows Park, there are a myriad of different cultural events to immerse people. From country's independence day celebrations to the music festival "Gov Ball" and even simply Zumba workouts, there is always something for someone going on. Of course in the 898 acres, there are also marathons for people to participate in.

6:25

rominae2445 — 2024-10-23 02:04:42 UTC

Ever since I was a child I always noticed the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center but never really knew the significance of it. While getting older I started to understand what goes on there. People come from all over the world to watch the US Open, and, to me, it's really special that I live so close to it.

6:28

rominae2445 — 2024-10-23 02:14:52 UTC

As I was walking, I noticed something different. There was a car that seemed to have a camera attached to it. I later noticed that they are filming some sort of movie/tv show here.

6:30

rominae2445 — 2024-10-23 02:45:32 UTC

The unisphere! The most recognizable landmark of Queens. From running through the water fountains, to taking picture and admiring the globe, the Unisphere is an important part of my childhood. Since I could remember I would come to the park with my family, and run around the globe with my sister.

The World's Fair

rominae2445 — 2024-10-23 02:56:07 UTC

As I grew older, I learned more about this park. Many people don't really know the history and significance of Flushing Meadows Park. The 1964 World's Fair brought people from all around the world to exhibit all their achievement. The fair included exhibitions, activities, performances, films, art, and food presented by 80 nations, 24 U.S. states, and nearly 350 American companies.

6:34

rominae2445 — 2024-10-23 03:05:25 UTC

As I walked around the Unisphere, I noticed all the different activities going on. In this video we can appreciate a group of people in a Zumba class. It was so nice to see them all gathered doing something they enjoy.

6:40

rominae2445 — 2024-10-23 03:17:39 UTC

It might be a little difficult to observe in this picture, but here I spotted many more trucks with filming equipment and lots of film crew people. As I continued to walk and try to find out what was happening, I smelt something burning. I look around and see a car that has been burnt to a crisp. I quickly realize that the car has been purposefully burnt for the filming.

6:46

rominae2445 — 2024-10-23 03:27:49 UTC

As I was concluding my walk, the New York Hall of Science was lit up. People were starting to leave the park as it was getting darker. The hall of science was always a big field trip I would go on in middle school and I always loved how it looks during the night.

Finishing my walk

rominae2445 — 2024-10-23 03:46:31 UTC

As I was walking home from Flushing Meadows Park, it was getting much darker and many people were getting home from work. The majority of people were men, and as I live in a Hispanic populated area, a lot of them work in construction. Seeing all these people tired from a long day of work, reminded me of my father when he would get home when he used to work in construction. I know all these people work very hard for their children to get the life they deserve.

Final thoughts on Walking Research

rominae2445 — 2024-10-23 03:53:18 UTC

I do believe that walking research can enhance your understanding or awareness of the spaces, identities, and bodies we inhabit. While on my walk, I viewed things differently than I did last time I took a walk here. Being aware of your surroundings alongside the people is something we have always been taught but in this instance it's different. Being aware and soaking in all the culture around you is important to grow your character, especially in New York, a melting pot.