Greeting.

I hope you had a good weekend.

I also I hope, everybody would have a quite happy week, enjoy it.

Happy Monday this is a beginning of the week. Forget it about the past its gone. Smile it doesn't cost a penny. 

introduce by us self ( Miyo & Ena)

this is interview of Ena and Miyo.

we were talking about NYC and our neighbors.

Junho & Leonardo

This is an interview of Junho and Leonardo.

Aya and Koki's interview

This is Interviews of Aya and Koki. Koki will interview to Aya where she come from, how many countries she ever live in, etc. You would see which country she like and how she thinking about living in U.S. And Aya will ask Koki what he is doing on his off day, and how is his life, and also how he like to live in NY. Thank you!

Thinking about everything 🐴👑

Why? 

Because I have seen so much, and more than over 10 years, that I have been leaving in. New York, I am looking around, learning a little bit of everything with none stop. 

Wake up you can do this, wake up you could do this, use your most powerful arm, let it fly no matter what how high will go. You have to discover it on your own, or for your own propose, just do it !   ( if you felt do it again). 

Love, peace and pain. 

Honor to My Mother (Carlos' Audio Story)

I WANT TO HONOR MY MOTHER

WHY? Because since my father died she took care of us by herself. My mother sacrificed for us always and still looks for the best for all of us because she loves us so much.

She did everything that needed to be done for us starting by supported and accepted my father death.

She went crazy and couldn’t believe it when I was two years old. I do not remember him but I enjoy it when my mother tells me stories about him. That he was her life. She was about to die too but she never did. Because she thought about us and in God before she wanted to do something wrong. She is very smart and intelligent to do this kind of things. I love my mother now more than ever…

After my father’s funeral, my mother had to work in my father’s job which was just for men no for women. Because my father’s boss  was a friend to our family so he made an exception.

She was the only one woman working in this job. She was the supervisor of a big city company that specialized in keeping the streets and parks of Guayaquil clean, like Trash collectors. My mother needed to go to school at the age of 40 because my grandparents never sent her to school. Once my grandfather died, my grand-mom sent my mother to live with her relatives. They had my mother work as a housekeeper instead of sending her to school. In order to get this job at least she had to know how to read and write and she did not know how to read and write so she went to school for Adult Literacy and finished her education. And finally she got the job.... Well at the very end  After eight years working in this place each and every one of the workers or employees including my mother,  got fired. like animals they got fired for no reason.

And then she was so desperate.

Could you imagine a woman with 7 children, feeding them, educating them and doing whatever else we needed to be happy?

One day she was walking and trying to buy some food for us, at the big market in the city.

There she found this fine young man, This person was her distant cousin from my grandfather’s side of the family.

So he asked to my mother, “What happened to you cousin?”

And she told him everything that had happened. This person was and still in a good economic situation.  He had -- or I don’t know if he still has -- a big food market. He owns a whole building where he has or had his business, right in the middle of the city. They used to be very good friends when they were youngers. besides that they are family relatives. So he helped her by giving to my mother everything in order to open a grocery store or bodega again. when I say again is. Because that’s what my mother used to do before my father passed away she used to work at the grocery store and my father worked for the city.

Once she opened again her grocery store or bodega in the south side of the City. where we used to live at. where all the poor people used to live at and we had everything that we needed in terms of food, education, toys, and a lot of love from both of them. But one day it changed everything, it was a different story. it was not the same at all.

Before and after my father died my grandmother used to take care all of us, my cousin also helped us by cooking and doing the laundry while my mom was working and we used to go to school one of my brother had and needed to work and help my mom but he never dropped the school, because the money that my mom used to make was not enough for everybody, i remember. when my mother bought a nice pair of shoes and a shirt for only one of my brothers and we used to said mama what about for me ? and also she used to buy some toys just for two of my brothers we used to tell her mama what about the rest of us ?

But without knowing that she did not have enough money to buy clothes and toys for her children, not even enough food, what she did was very smart,  we used to keep and collect the clothes from my brothers and as soon as  we  grow up we will wear their clothes, same thing with my sisters,  now about the toys we used to make our own toys by using our imagination and talents that our teacher from our. Same school, taught us using glue,  woods and papers. Because we used to receive toys,  in Christmas eve. New Year eve and holidays only and also when our God fathers used to show up.....  the ones that used to always helped us were my older cousins from my mothers side family, Ok.

One day my mother won the lottery wow that was  excellent because she used to buy it every weekends, she used the money to made our house a little bit more bigger than it was. and still was not enough for all of us and then we started rented half of the house to helped us to pay the rent and all the bills that were needed to be paid, such as transportations, education, electricity and gas uff and a lot of more that i can not finished to described. let me tell you something guys compare to other families.

i remember one day i was on the roof lying down and i looked up to the stars and i cried and i told to my self one day we will have a better life. Because  the night i wanted to eat more food and my mother told me mijo, son is done there is no more food left and that was . Tuna, my favorite seafood.

I remember that  my mother was a very strict woman because she never let us to go outside without finishing  our homework first.

I had to give my lessons to my mother even though it was really late and we wanted to go to sleep. sometimes when my mother used to go out to visit my uncles or sometimes she stayed working over time,  we had an opportunity to go out without  permission from her. she is very smart she used to come very slowly without saying anything to nobody and she knew where we were.

Because she asked one of our neighbors that lives in front of our house, and she used to come  with a belt underneath her blouse, so we can not see it. I never knew that she had a belt hidden inside her blouse around her stomach, and then she punished me and everybody else for not listened to her.

Well that was long time ago after all my mother loves us so much she just wants us to obey her in  everything that she told us to do.  Otherwise we would become criminals, thief, drug addicts etc.

Well then. Now let me tell you when my mother was traveling to USA. from Ecuador.

My Cousin lives in Chicago, he offered to helps my  mother to come to USA and in the middle of the way he refused to helps her so my mother was supposedly to come to Chicago instead of  NY, she was stock in Texas for a little while,  she was so desperate, she did not know what to do, She called my uncle that lives in New York.

Because when my cousin and most of all our family used to live with us. So this person Is my aunt husband. He helped my mother to come to NY He borrowed some money to my mother also the money that my mother borrowed in. Ecuador, now she needs to work to pay everything that she owns.

Now she is here in New York she needed to find a job. sooner than later, right away, She easily found a job in a. Korean Factory as a cleaner. She used to clean tuxedos, dressers, and much more stuff. She used to make a little bit of money and  She wanted to work more hours so she could make a little bit of more money. So she learned how to use the machines even though was older she learned faster from her friends, She started to collect some money a little by little and then she brought all of us two by two, she suffered a lot.

I remember when she used to call us by phone and started crying every time she hear our voices. We  were very sad also. I did miss my mother a lot,  but at the same time I felt good, I don't know why But I was 10 years old, I think so because I could go out and have fun with my friends, but when I used to come back home I missed my mom.

Well, when I was 11 years old I went to H.S, I felt this first year of school because to be honest with you guys my family put me really late at this school, The students were advanced with the classes and exams, and my siblings also were not in a good way to teach me or to guide me in the school so I felt, and in the next year.

My mother gave an authorization to one of my old cousin, now he is resting in peace because he passed away many years ago, He was an awesome person he put me at this school and I never felt any other year anymore, I graduated in Industrial Mechanic, specialized in, Welding and Lathe,  or windlass.

I was the last one that my mother brought to New York. I didn't suffer like my mother and my sibling did.

I took this like a long trip like I was on vacation I came inside of a fishing Vessel, so I was inside where they keep the fishes but the week they didn't transport them, we were inside of it. I have never traveled in a fishing vessel before, this dream came true, I was throwing out for two days, so after the third day I was ok. I used to eat whatever I wanted to, watermelons, pineapples a lot soup and rice, compare to my friends.

They  were very sick inside the boat, there were no doctors around only our, Captain and three workers. They helped us a lot, They were in charged of cooking and prepared everything.

We last for about 7 days in the middle of the. Ocean Pacific, I saw Dolphins, Big whales and a big    tornado in the middle of the Ocean, that scared me a lot, because I have never seen one like that. When I arrived in Guatemala I got stuck over there for almost two months I was in a bordered between, Guatemala and Mexico, which is call. Tecun Uman. I did everything just to come to New York. It was a long big adventure For me.

Finally after almost two months living in Guatemala the coyote gave us some instructions to cross the bordered from. Guatemala to Mexico. I started to walked for many hours none stop. finally i passed.

Traveling between the cities was more easy than the borders.

I flew for more than three times by airplanes, from Mexico Df to Guadalajara and Mexicali and L.A to New York.

Now my mother is living with me and all my family are togethers. We are not a perfect family but. We still together even though my father died many years ago Just my grandmother still and. Ecuador. With my cousins from my mothers sides. We are taking care of my grand mother. All of us are working to succeed in this. World. God. Bless you. All.

Kazu&Risa2

Interviews of Kazu & Risa.Hi!everybody.We are going to introduce each other. We would be happy to share with you guys. The first interview from Risa to Kazu. She was asking for his hobbies. The second video is interview from Kazu to Risa. He was asking for her job.Sorry!!We are both shy so we couldn't show up our face but hope you to enjoy our video:)Thank you!

Sylvia's on Lenox

Im going to write a review about Sylvia's Soul food Restaurant.

its on a couple blocks up from subway 125st. its pretty convenient location to eat in if you are browsing around harlem.Sylvia's is the one of most famous restaurant in the neighborhood.

When you going into the restaurant,you might got to be wait.especially weekends.

Include receptionist and all the stuff who works in the restaurant are very friendly.you could pretty much enjoy southern hospitality here in harlem.

any entree starts from nicely baked cornbread which is served free.

i thought the price is lil pricy but fried chicken and waffle that signature menu of this restaurant was decent.mad good. but one thing ,the two side dishes that i had to ordered was kinda too salty for me,collard green and mac n cheese.

by gosh

sylvia's restaurant

Cha-an East Village

This Japanese style café in Ease Village is must - go.
It's like a hidden place from noise, you don't feel like you are in Manhattan any more.
Quiet, Zen atmosphere you can enjoy.
I recommend order mattcya ice cream, tea, anything with mattcya is great which is fine Japanese green tea.

Mayumi

Daniel Restaurant Review

Daniel Restaurant

There are 704 review for Daniel. Most of them gave 5 stars, and say the restaurant is amazing.
People go there to celebrate their anniversalies and birthdays because the restaurant is one of the expensive restaurants in NYC.

First of all, they say the servise is fluid and respectful. Both wait staff and sommelier are extremely helpful and friendly, and also excellent without being pretentious.

Second, talking about their foods. There is 3 course tasting menu which comes an appetizer to a dessert. They recommend beef and foie gras. Once we get them in our mouth, just melted and smoothly dissapare. The foods are right amont, and they serve them perfect timing.

Even thought, everything there are awsome, reviewers have to think about how they will survive next a few weeks because their wallets are crying with paying such a expencive meal. However, people consider to come back again to enjoy the next wonderful dinner.


miho

Amy's Bread

Summary about Amy's Bread review.

They have 3 locations in Manhattan.
This summary is about Hell's Kitchen location.

They have average 4 stars according to yelp.

They have not only good breads and sandwiches but also great cupcakes.

They are little bit pricey.

Their service are quick and friendly even the line extends out of the door.

They are open late.

http://www.amysbread.com/

Yoshi

SobaKoh

The best authentic soba place in  NY.

Their soba master make soba noodles everyday at their store front.
so their noodle is very fresh.
And their tempura is very high  quality .

I been there a lot . my favorite plate is soft shell crab tendon.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/sobakoh-new-york

koki murakami

Best Vegetarian restaurant in East village!

The review said Incredible food.
 "Fresh, healthy, and I always walk away feeling wonderful. My personal favorite is the macro plate - never tasted such simple but delicious food!"
I been there once also. I am a vegetarian, so for me it is too hard to look for vegetarian plate in regular restaurant. And there are always only a few options. It was my first experience to go vegetarian restaurant, and it was great! People may think vegetarian food are less tasty, less salty, less of something...etc, but they are tasty I don't know why. So even you are not vegetarian, you can have a great time!
http://www.souen.net

 Aya Tanaka

Update! Life with My Grandmother (with Julia's Narration)

Julia's text about her memories with her grandmother inspired many thoughtful comments, and a wonderful story by Hakim.  Now you can listen to Julia read her story in her own words!

-Eric, NYC, USA

Life with My Grandmother

     I am writing a history about my grandmother.  She was a very nice woman.  She cared for me, my sister and brother.  She worked hard on her farm.  She had cows, horses, pigs, sheep and chicken.  She made cheese, planted plants, corns, potatoes, beans, vegetables and fruits.  She taught me how to cook cake, salad and chicken soup.  I helped my grandmother milk the cows.  I collected 40 eggs every morning.  I let the sheep out into the fields.  I washed the clothes in the river.  
     She cooked delicious food during Christmas time.  She invited her family over.  She prepared food like chicken, soup, rice, pernil, and salad.  I remember yellow corn boiling in water, green salad being cut and white potatoes being peeled.  I smelled delicious pernil and yellow rice. The potatoes were soft.  The corn was sweet.  The pernil was salty.  The soda was bubbly and sweet.  After we ate, we sang and danced with music.  The party started at 7pm and ended at 3am.  After the party, she washed the dishes and put them away for the next year.
     My grandmother's house was very big.  Every year she painted her house a different color.  Her house was near the river.  She had three daughters.  Their names were Mary, Rosa and Carmen.  She had six grandchildren.  Their names were Nancy, Freddy, Fausto, Nely, Marlene and Julia.  She cried sometimes because her family lived in America. She died ten years ago.  My mother and my aunts paid a woman to care for the farm.

By: Julia

kaoko&chizu

We took videos about our NYC life.

KOKO &KENJI

hi everybody,we made two interviews about our work experience,please feel free to listen this, we talked about how we make our connection to the next.peep this,tx.

The Three Stooges

Hello everybody,
The reason why we choose "The Three Stooges" is because we ran out of the idea, we are three people in this video, Lupin, Yoshi, and someone who doesn't want to us to publish his name, anyway, we'll call him DJ.
We are welcome anyone to leave the comment, we are not perfect, so please correct us, thanks, good day.


 

Update! In the Farmyard (Blanca's Audio Story)

A few weeks ago, Blanca shared the text for her story of her life on the farm in Mexico.  Her memories of working with the animals in the pastures inspired Hakim to share his exciting and terrifying childhood experience of a bee attack.  

Now you can hear Blanca read her story in her own words.  

-Eric, NYC, USA

In the Farmyard

This is my story about my life on the farm. When I was a girl I worked with cows. I like to touch the cows when I milking them. When I was making cheese, smell good and taste good. Sometimes cows hit me and pushed me down. Sometimes I fall off the horse. I liked to work with chickens. Goats borned in farmyard. I good memories about my life. I hear the rooster and birds singing in the morning. I used to see the sunrise everyday.

-Blanca, NYC, USA

What happened to the Blog?

Hello everyone!

You may notice our blog looks a little different (again).  And we will probably continue to make changes.  

I have switched back to the "simple" template for several reasons:

• I have found that the "dynamic" template we were using is especially challenging for students new to the blog.
• I often found that there were errors when the page was loading with the dynamic template.  Sometimes the comments would not show.  Sometimes I couldn't see the videos.
• I want some of the features of our blog to be easier to find.  

Now, the pages are back at the top of the page.  In the pages, you can find information about the blog, tutorials, and links to helpful websites.  

Having trouble finding a particular post?  Try searching with the labels on the right-hand column.  We have about 350 posts now, on many, many, many different topics, including culture, animals, music, dance, poetry, performances, and presentations to name a few. 

Also, I was thinking that our background (which is blank right now) could be designed by students.  Students could submit art or original photos.  If we have many submissions, we could update it each month.

I would love to hear your feedback.

-Eric, NYC, USA

When I Was a Kid (Hector's Audio Story)

Hello everyone!  I am proud to introduce the final audio stories from Level 5 NYC!  These students worked until the final moments of our last class, right up to the end-of-the-year party.  These students did all of the work, typing, rehearsing and recording their stories.  I'm just here to push the publish button.  You will see updated posts from Julia and Blanca, now with their narrations.  You will see an epic tale from Carlos, where he honors his mother, and shares his family's long journey from Ecuador to New York City.  First, you will see a story from Hector.

Hector was familiar with big cities before he moved to New York City.  He grew up in a neighborhood of Mexico City, one of the largest cities in the world, before he moved to a small desert village, far from the excitement of the Formula One race track.  But Hector remains optimistic  and recalls the good times he spent with his family.

-Eric, NYC, USA

When I Was a Kid

     I want to share a story about my life when I was a child. 

     I was born in Mexico D.F. The name of my neighborhood is Tlatelolco. I remember living in the same building with my grandparents, my uncles, my aunts and my cousin. I have good memories about living in Mexico City. 

     Mexico D.F. is a big city. It has many different places to visit. Chapultepec, Alameda, Plaza de Toros, Bellas Arts, Ciudad Deportiva, Estadio Azteca, Paseo de la Reforma and the big plaza Zocalo. 

     I remembered that every Sunday my family would go to different places, but one of my favorite places was Ciudad Deportiva or Sport City. The actual name is Magdalena Mixuca founded by President Miguel Aleman. 

     Sport City was an Olympic park which was used during the Olympic games in 1968. The park continues to serve as an Avenue for cultural, social and sports events. They have the Autodromo hermanos Rodrigues for Formula one racing, the Foro Sol for concerts, Football fields and the Palace of Sports for Basketball. Sport City is my favorite place to remember. 

     My brothers and sister would play football, soccer and many other games all the time. We would remember the sounds of the Formula one cars, we could hear the motors from so far away. I liked to smell the food from the vendor on the site of Sport City. 

     A special day that I liked to remember was January 6, the day of the three Wisemen. That day, my brothers and I would wake up early to see the gifts and toys. In the night, my grandparents would make us dinner. This dinner was the traditional Rosca de Reyes or the King Cake with chocolate. 

     In 1970, my family moved to a new place called Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl. The first days were hard for everybody. But the good thing was that we were not alone. My cousin lived next door to us and my grandparents lived on the street in front of us. My father and my uncle had identical houses. 

     In Nezahualcoyotl, it was very bleak and had too much dust. But in the Summer, there would be a lot of rain. When it rained, the water would come into our house and our furniture would float around. In Autumn, there would be a lot of dust and this would cause dust tornados. 

     These first years were very hard. Little by little, the community and the government worked together to make schools, hospitals, streets and urbanized Nezahualcoyotl. When I was a child, my life was hard but I enjoyed my childhood. In spite of moving to a new place, I still enjoyed my time.

-Hector Vasquez