What's Going On Hotel Chelsea?

What happened to the artistic, historical haven to the artists, musicians, writers, and actors? The landmark hold such much history in the West Chelsea neighborhood. Every time I think and hear the name "Chelsea Hotel" famous residents like Andy Warhol, Edie Sedgwick, Bob Dylan, and Allen Ginsberg (and the rest of the beat writers) come to mind. It's practically a ghost town when I walk down 23rd between 7th and 8th, even at night I don't even see the red bright lights shining the "Hotel Chelsea" name. When I get a glimpse of the inside of the hotel I don't see the murals plastered on the famous Chelsea walls. It broke my heart that it's not open to the public like it used to be. Seriously what's going on? Will there be new management? Or it's just for the HC residents? Like disco, is the Chelsea dead?

Even though, I haven't grew up in the Chelsea or been a New Yorker that long but learning so much history about it gives me unspoken connection. There are many so many memories and demons that took place in this hotel. I can picture Allen Ginsberg conversing with the other beat writers, including Gregory Corso and my personal favorite Jack Kerouac. Or Andy Warhol filming "Chelsea Girls" in this hotel. I love heading to the hotel and reading the plaques dedicating the artists, writers, or I like to call them "the artistic contributors" to this West Chelsea legacy. From Dylan Thomas to Mark Twain. For just one night I'm glad I slept in the Chelsea. I don't know what the future will be for the Chelsea but I miss it and I want  it to come back. All I have to say is "Save the Chelsea!"

New York City: The Golden Opportunity

It was July 15th, my 21st birthday. I received the gift that I was yearning for a visit to New York City. The beautiful gift was given to me by my two loving parents. I spent the entire afternoon in Manhattan and later headed to New Jersey. Entering the tunnel to get to my destination was a moment filled with anticipation, excitement, ecstasy, and full of noise—I love it. New York City is exciting, thrilling, fast paced but also a stressful city. New York and I are two opposites that somehow attract. It gives me excitement, gratification/ pleasure, and content. Is a mind blowing city. I was enthralled by their buildings, skyscrapers, shops, and people. It also gave grief with the 9/11 incident. World Trade Center affected me because of the incident the occurred 5 years ago. New York still proves that it is a sole survivor and nothing can harm or kill the livelihood of this beautiful city. I always wonder how could an indivual like myself have a huge fascination with the Big Apple. Maybe it's the tall buildings, the red double decker tourbuses, or the thriving population that caught my eye. When I imagine New York, I imagine that I am Holly Golightly or even Carrie Bradshaw who walk around in awe. When I think of Sonny Rollins' rendition "On Impulse" I vision myself strolling to Central Park and fully getting to know New York. I wanted to vision New York change its mood from daytime to nightime filled with lights and action. Unfortunately I had to leave New York and head to New Jersey. Leaving the big apple was emotionally difficult. Heading the tunnel to depart New York felt like leaving behind a friend, more liking saying adieu to a friend.