WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS presents
The Adventure Issue
Vol. 42, No. 75 | Thursday, october 9, 2014
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letter from the editor In the four months I spent studying abroad in Florence, I visited 20 cities in eight countries. In the three years I’ve lived in New York City, I’ve barely set aside time to leave Manhattan. It is not unusual for students to forget that there is a whole world beyond the urban environment we call home, despite the surrounding sights and experiences. After all, whether it is South American cuisine delivered to your door at 2 a.m. or the opportunity to sit in on a live taping of your favorite TV show, New York offers everything you could ever think to ask for. At this point in the semester, you deserve a break from Bobst Library and probably want some distance from the frenzy
that awaits you every time you step outside. A weekend getaway might be just what you need to unwind from your hectic schedule and clear your head. I curated this special issue of the Washington Square News to encourage you to alter your course — to set aside time to explore unknown territories and experience new environments. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of the natural wonders at your fingertips, before the snow and ice make it hard to leave your cozy apartment. Whether you are seeking a wilderness adventure or just want a breath of fresh air, this issue is designed to make the idea of leaving the city a little less intimidating.
Cicek Erel Web Managing Editor
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A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE ON domestic TRAVEL By Marita Vlachou Deputy News Editor It is normal for American students who are in a study abroad program to spend some of their free time traveling to nearby cities and countries. Unfortunately, their drive for exploration and adventure seems to be dormant during their stay in New York City. International students studying at NYU may be more interested in making the most out of their time at NYU by exploring different states and cities within the United States. Steinhardt sophomore Leen Karadsheh, an international student from Jordan, said her studies in the United States offered a superb opportunity for her to travel the country. “Of course, as an international student, one of the main reasons I left my country and moved here was to experience a culture and lifestyle unlike my own,” Karadsheh said. Some students find travel opportunities through clubs and organizations on campus. Lav Georgievski, a CAS sophomore from the Republic of Macedonia, has taken advantage of these opportunities.
“I have been to places outside of New York through some clubs,” Georgievski said. “For instance I went to Vermont with the Christian Club during fall break and I’ve also been to the Hamptons with the College Republican club.” International students often find the time for traveling and exploring different states during breaks in the fall or spring. “For winter and summer break, I usually go back home to spend time with my family,” Karadsheh said. “However, during shorter breaks, like spring break and Thanksgiving, I try to travel to different states in the U.S. I’m hoping to see at least 20 states before I graduate.” Georgievski said it is understandable that American students are not as inclined to travel beyond Manhattan. “Coming from a different country, I would feel more challenged to visit the U.S., whereas a U.S. citizen might feel at home in the U.S. and whatever they can experience in the U.S. is always at hand, ” Georgievski said. Yet, there are still international students who prefer to spend their breaks and free time in New York City. George Maniadis, a Tisch sophomore from Greece, said international
students are not more adventurous than American students. “From the other international students I know, no one has been to other states for breaks,” Maniadis said.
“One of the main reasons I left my country and moved here was to experience a culture and lifestyle unlike my own.” Leen Karadsheh
One of the reasons Maniadis said some international students do not leave the city is the multitude of opportunities offered for students in Manhattan. “Maybe if I was somewhere where I would not be offered whatever I wanted, I would be more inclined to visit other states,” Maniadis said. Despite their different traveling habits, many international students agree that traveling is an enriching experience. “It’s very good to explore outside of the space where you spend most of the time, because you get new experiences, meet new people and all of these things add to your happiness,” Georgievski said.
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top 5 natural sights in new york By Carley Tsiames, Contributing Writer
New York Botanical Garden Explore over 50 gardens and 30,000 trees only 20 minutes from Manhattan. Enjoy the fall foliage on a walk through the Thain Family Forest or experience something new through Kiku: The Art of the Japanese Garden. If you are feeling festive, check out the Haunted Pumpkin Garden, an annual tradition that merges Halloween fun with artful jack-o-lanterns. Take the B, D or 4 to Bedford Park Boulevard Station.
Minnewaska State Park Sitting atop Shawangunk Mountain ridge at 2,000 feet above sea level, Lake Minnewaska offers waterfalls, lakes, forests, streams and rocky trails with magnificent views. The park boasts a few striking sights, such as Awosting Lake, Awosting Falls and Rainbow Falls. A simple walk around the lake offers beautiful views, but trails diverge for more adventurous sightseers. To get there, take a Port Authority Bus to New Paltz, which is about a two-hour ride.
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve Acres of woodland, beautiful gardens and a scenic view of the Hudson Sound sit in Lloyd Neck, Long Island. Located on a rocky peninsula, the park’s native Matinecock name, “Caumsett,” means “place by a sharp rock.” Visitors can explore salt marshes, meadows, shrublands, forests and the beach, as well as a diverse concentration of migratory birds, including the endangered Piping Plover. To get there, take the Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station to Huntington, which will take a little over an hour.
Rockefeller State Park Preserve Less than an hour away from the city awaits the serenity of scenic forests, valleys and hills. Rockefeller State Park Preserve’s landscape is covered with tall, 150-to-200-year-old trees that contrast the familiar skyscrapers of the city. Instead of hurried people on streets, wildlife — including beautiful bluebirds, wise owls and flying squirrels — nestles in the holes of trees. In the park, one can find Swan Lake surrounded by a shoreline of wildflowers and waterfowl, as well as breathtaking views of the Palisades on the Hudson. To get there, take the Metro-North from Grand Central to Pleasantville.
Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center Take an hour train ride to Oyster Bay to listen to the songbirds at the first Audubon Songbird Sanctuary in the United States. In the woods of the north shore, find 17 different birds of prey including hawks, owls, falcons and vultures. Learn about conservation, bird research and habitat restoration through the offered environmental education programs and guided tours. Or, just relax and listen. To get there, take the Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station.
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Fresh Air, Fun Outdoors By Sidney Butler, Contributing Writer
Hiking If you are looking to escape the chaos of New York City’s streets for a much calmer and serene space this fall, head up to the Cranberry Lake Preserve in Westchester County. The preserve is home to forests, wetlands and a four-acre lake. The abundance of trails in this area makes this the perfect spot for hikers looking to clear their minds among the beautiful wilderness. You may spot some wildlife on the trail, so be sure to pack a camera for some quality pictures. After a hike, enjoy lunch at the various picnic spots that surround the lake and its many ponds. The park is open from Wednesday to Sunday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Cranberry Lake Preserve can be reached by taking the 4 or 5 train from Union Square to Grand Central and then the Metro-North Harlem Line train to Valhalla.
This fall, you can fulfill all of your childhood dreams at Hank’s Pumpkintown in Long Island. Head out on a Saturday and make a day of pumpkin picking, apple eating and face painting. Hank’s is open daily from Sept. 13 until Halloween. The apple orchard offers various types of apples, ranging from Autumn Rose Fuji to Honeycrisp. While picking apples, keep in mind that Hank’s Farm charges $20 per 10-lb. bag, but if you bring a group of four, you can share one bag for $5 each. Hank’s farm also has an array of autumn-themed treats, from caramel apples to apple cider donuts. It is home to many attractions, like Long Island’s Best Corn Maze, calf milking, hayrides and pig races. In addition, this hidden gem has its own Instagram hashtag so its guests can share their experience on social media. If you find the world’s largest apple or eat a huge slice of pumpkin pie, hashtag #hankspumpkintown on Instagram to record all of the fun. This fall break, take the E train to Jamaica Queens and then hop on the Long Island Rail Road Montauk Branch to South Hampton.
Estimated Time from Union Square: 1hr 46min
Estimated Time from West Fourth Street: 3hr 15min
Fall Festivities
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Rock Climbing
Mountain Biking
If you want to find outdoor excitement and adventure a little closer to home, look no further than Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Boulder’s team in Boerum Hill is accessible by taking the R train from Union Square to Brooklyn. They also have student discounts. A day pass at Brooklyn Boulder’s is $19 for students and $25 for nonstudents. Beginner students pay $24 while first-time non-students pay $30. The first-timer pass also includes an orientation that introduces rock climbing techniques. If you are an advanced rock climber, you can also find places to climb in New Jersey or even upstate. By being partners with climbfind.com, Brooklyn Boulder is able to assist advanced rock climbers in discovering outdoor areas where they can climb. During this fall break, explore the facility and let your inner adventurer loose. The Brooklyn Boulder’s facility is conveniently located near the Ravine, so after your first class, grab a bite at the nearby Tomato N Basil or Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and relax in the park.
Unleash your inner daredevil at Cunningham Park this fall season. Tucked away in Queens lies one of New York City’s best mountain biking trails. The trail is 6.5 miles long and ranges in difficulty from beginner to expert. It includes a dirt jump park for beginner and intermediate level riders. The topography of the park provides mountain bikers with a great workout because of its ups and downs. A map of the trail can be found on the New York City Mountain Bike Association website. It is free if you bring your own bike. If not, check out the many bike rental shops in the area. From Manhattan, you can take the R train to 92nd Street-59th Avenue, Queens, and then the Q88 bus to Cunningham Park. Afterward, grab a bite at the nearby Blue Bay Diner, known for its burgers and desserts. The weather will be perfect this fall for you to try out some new tricks on the park’s many trails.
Estimated Time from Union Square: 32min
Estimated Time from Union Square: 1hr 16min
Camping Malouf’s Mountain Sunset Campgrounds is the perfect getaway for fall break. Located in the mountains upstate, Malouf’s offers its guests the best camping experience. Campers can choose to bring their own tent or pay extra for a rental — it is $90 a night with a borrowed tent, and $80 without. For every three nights spent at the camp site, one night is half-price. Each camping site has a fire pit, playing cards, a personal outdoor kitchen and chairs. Be sure to bring your own sleeping bag and toiletries. At night, watch the sunset over the campground and cook your own s’mores. Meals are also supplied by the campsite, or you can bring your own food to cook for you and your friends. To get there, take the 4, 5 or 6 line to Grand Central, and then catch the Metro-North Hudson Line train upstate to Beacon Station, where Malouf’s will provide a shuttle to escort you to the campsite. Estimated Time from Union Square: 1hr 40min
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A Train Ride Away By Sam Del Rowe Staff Writer There is a whole world outside of Manhattan. Whether you are feeling the need for fresh air or just want a weekend getaway, look no further than Grand Central Terminal. The Metro-North train line takes you to a variety of scenic towns in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties — and there is no need to book a flight. The Hudson Line, which, as its name suggests, follows the Hudson River, is definitely the most scenic of the Metro-North lines.
About a half an hour outside of the city is Dobbs Ferry. Stroll through the streets, stop at Brick Oven Pizza for lunch, and try their ice cream for dessert. If you are staying for dinner, check out the legendary local restaurant Sushi Mike’s. It may be pricey, but it’s worth it.
TARRYTOWN
hudson line
DOBBS FERRY
GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL Just three stops North of Dobbs Ferry is Tarrytown, which, with views of the Tappan Zee Bridge and Rockland County, is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway. The town is home to Taste of China, a Chinese restaurant with an incredibly large menu and unbelievably low prices, a combination hard to find around Washington Square.
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A major station along the Hudson Line is in the town of CrotonHarmon. Croton Point Park, once the site of a landfill, is now home to hiking trails, picnic areas, a museum and even a beach.
POUGHKEEPSIE
PEEKSKILL
CROTON-HARMON
In upper Westchester is the sleepy town of Peekskill. Early in its development, the town pursued displaced New York City artists by advertising low interest rates in SoHo art magazines, helping them buy buildings in the downtown area of Peekskill to convert them into studios. Since then, the town has maintained a bohemian vibe with coffee shops and restaurants, which often feature live music.
The Poughkeepsie station was built to resemble a smaller version of Grand Central, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The last stop on the Hudson Line and almost two hours from the city, Poughkeepsie is relatively large and features many cultural centers, including the Bardavon 1869 Opera House. Poughkeepsie is also home to Vassar and Marist colleges.
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An Adventurer’s Appetite By Rebecca Riddle Dining Editor Whether you are hiking, biking or simply sitting around a campfire, any outdoor adventure requires the proper fuel. Packing food that is both tasty and portable requires a bit of forethought, but, with some planning, your adventure is sure to be delicious. There are some important aspects to remember when filling your backpack with snacks for an outdoor trip that includes physical activity. Your choices should be non-perishable, easy to carry and nutritious enough to give your body the energy it needs to power through the day. High-protein energy bars, such as Clif Bars, are a great choice because they are small, but filling enough
to tide you over until you get back to your campsite. Fruit is another portable snack to consider bringing, but be sure to stick to choices such as apples, bananas and oranges, which will not get squashed as easily as other fruits. Babybel cheese wheels are also a good choice, as they come prepackaged in a wax shell and are perfect for pairing with crackers when you stop to eat. Once you are back at your campsite, your food options do not have to be limited to just roasting hot dogs over a fire. Be sure to bring some aluminum foil with you, as you can use it to wrap potatoes, veggies and even burritos, which you can then cook over hot coals. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches seem like an obvious, if boring, outdoor
Sweet & Salty S’mores Trail Mix Ingredients 1 cup Teddy Grahams 1 cup miniature pretzels 1 cup miniature marshmallows 1/2 cup chocolate chips 1/2 cup cocoa roast almonds 1/2 cup salted peanuts Directions Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and then distribute in snack-sized portions. Serves 4.
meal, but you can take this standby up a notch by adding apple slices, bananas or Nutella. Consider using flatbread or pita bread for your sandwiches, which are easier to pack than a standard loaf. Oatmeal and instant coffee are perfect items to pack for breakfast because all you have to add is hot water. Trail mix, as its name implies, is the ideal food for hiking, as its nutritious mix of nuts, seeds and dried fruit provide a dense, stick-to-your-ribs snack that will keep you satisfied without adding a lot of weight to your bag. Just be sure to watch your portions when eating trail mix, as it is usually high in calories. If you want a tasty twist on trail mix that you can make yourself, try this recipe, which combines two classic camping favorites.
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Packing Essentials By David Bologna Beauty & Style Editor
For the drive Avoid looking like you just rolled out of bed while still feeling like you did. Sweatpants are almost always a fashion faux pas, but pair them with a mesh shirt, basketball sneakers and a tilted baseball cap for a comfortable, sporty chic look.
For the outfits Focus on one part of your wardrobe and pack for that. Pick three to four colorful yet practical shirts along with two simple pairs of khaki, black or loose denim pants. These pants let your shirts do the talking and your legs do the walking.
For the eyes Leave the Ray-Bans at home. Two pairs of basic sunglasses from a street vendor are cheap and practical, in case you lose one pair to a trendy black bear or a rushing river.
For the adventure Ankle boots are the best companion for an easy and enjoyable climb, bike ride and beyond. Pack a pair in black or brown that have solid soles to simultaneously keep you stable and let you move.
For the elements Polyester jackets have little to no weight and can be folded into small spaces. They also feature the perfect covering to keep you dry, warm and protected. Use a jacket with zipped pockets to ensure nothing falls out.
For your hygiene This is the perfect opportunity to utilize dry shampoo, as bathing in the river may not be too desirable. If you are not phased by a dip in the natural waters, however, swab yourself with hydrogen peroxide afterward to kill bacteria.
For THE skin While full makeup is beyond pointless, theBalm’s BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer can give you easy, glowing coverage and keep you feeling clean at just $25.
For the BUGS Make your own bug repellent at home by mixing a 32-oz. bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar with two tablespoons each of dried sage, rosemary, lavender, thyme and mint. Seal this concoction in a jar and let it sit for one to two weeks. Strain the herbs and pack in spray bottles. This also doubles as an antibacterial solution for scrapes, cuts and other minor injuries.
For the Instagram likes Keep your phone safe in a water and shock resistant case like the Lifeproof Fre Case ($80). Well worth the investment, this case can withstand the many unpredictable tests of mother nature.
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Art Scene Outside of NYC Dia:Beacon By Alex Greenberger, Arts Editor Seeing minimalist art may not sound like an ideal way to spend fall break, but Dia:Beacon may change your mind, as it is one of the best places to see art outside of New York City. Located in the New York State suburb of Beacon and only 80 minutes from Manhattan by public transit, the museum is home to what may be the nation’s best collection of large-scale minimalist sculpture. Currently on view is “Carl Andre: Sculpture as Place, 1958–2010,” a 50-year retrospective of the artist Carl Andre’s woodblock sculptures. Those less enthused by Andre will surely want to walk through the sculpture garden, which will be especially beautiful this time of year because of the fall colors.
ArtsWalk By Alexa Spieler, Music Editor Until Oct. 19, Hudson Valley, about three hours from Manhattan by public transit, will be holding its 20th annual ArtsWalk, which is the region’s largest arts festival, and it aims to celebrate the region’s most spirited and creative artists. Included in the ArtsWalk will be a display of over 100 CCCA member-artists’ works in many storefront windows of the Hudson’s galleries, shops and restaurants. Depending on the day, attendees will be able to meet the artists, watch the artists paint aweinspiring views of Olana or hear poets and authors share their individual works. On the festival’s final day, Oct. 19, the stage at the Hudson Opera House will read plays from this year’s Student Playwriting Contest winners.
Belmont Park By Ife Olujobi, Entertainment Editor With its origins dating back to 1902 and a reconstruction in 1968, Belmont Park in Elmont has a lot of history and has hosted the likes of such triple crown-winning horses as Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Omaha and Rags to Riches. But do not worry about breaking the bank, the cost is only $5 to experience the excitement of the track. While the dress code for the Grandstand and Clubhouse is just a shirt and shoes, if you want to get fancy in the tradition of the tracks, you can choose to wear your best race-day dresses and casual suits, which are actually required if you choose to spring for box seats or the Garden Terrace restaurant. The Championship meet is happening from until Oct. 26, so now is the perfect time to catch the action. Belmont Park is about an hour and half from Manhattan by public transit.
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staff illustrations sonja haroldson kari sonde
Washington Square News Editor-in-Chief
nicole brown Managing Editors
emily bell dana reszutek Assistant Managing Editors
casey dalrymple bryna shuman Web Managing Editors
cicek erel kavish harjai Creative Director, Adventures Issue
cicek erel Creative Director, Special Editions
About WSN: Washington Square News (ISSN 15499389) is the student newspaper of New York University. WSN is published Monday through Thursday during NYU’s academic year, except for university holidays, vacations and exam periods. Corrections: WSN is committed to accurate reporting. When we make errors, we do our best to correct them as quickly as possible. If you believe we have erred, contact the managing editors at managing@nyunews.com or at 212.998.4302.
Contributors
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david bologna sidney butler Daniel Cole tony chau sam del rowe alex greenberger Rachel Liquindoli hannah luu ife olujobi rebecca riddle alexa spieler jonathan tan carley tsiames marita vlachou
business manager
lyanne natividad Creative Directors
Julie ciccone olivia martin Multimedia Editor
shawn paik Copy Chief
Thomas Devlin
Editors-at-Large KRISTINA BOGOS rachel kaplan CLIO MCCONNELL jordan melendrez Kaleel munroe jonathan tan
ALISON LIZZIO University and alumni coordinator
claire mahany sales manager
ARIANA DIVALENTINO sales representative
amy lu jillian brancwhaud Sales associate
luxi peng, mike grott Graphic DesignerS
KALEEL MUNROE circulation manager
JESSICA TIEN
advising DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
NANCI HEALY EDITORIAL ADVISER
JIM LUTTRELL
photo credits cover: staff photo by jonathan tan, staff graphic by cicek erel with photos by tony chau, hannah luu and jonathan tan Page 2: Photo by hannah luu page 4 from left to right: staff photo by Shawn Paik, Illustration by Jacqueline Hsia page 5: Minnewaska — via wikipedia.org | Rockefeller — via wikipedia.org | Caumsett — via flickr.com page 6: Staff Photo by Jonathan Tan page 7: Rock climbing — via flickr.com | Camping — Staff Photo by Hannah Luu page 8: train — Staff Photo by Daniel Cole | DOBBS FERRY — via wikipedia.org | TARRYTOWN — via wikipedia.org page 9: CROTON-HARMON — via wikipedia.org | PEEKSKILL — via wikipedia.org | POUGHKEEPSIE — via wikipedia.org page 10: Staff Photos by Shawn Paik page 11: Photo by Rachel Liquindoli page 12 from top to bottom: Dia:beacon — via wikipedia.org | Hudson Valley — via facebook. com | Belmot — via wikipedia.org
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