Untapped Cities Contributor Profile: Anne Guerra

Today we profile Untapped Cities intern, Anne Guerra. Although she never thought she’d love a city as much as she loves New Orleans, exploring New York for the site has made Anne question her beliefs.

What’s your favorite Untapped spot in your city?

The Eldridge Street Synagogue has got to be my favorite Untapped spot. The chandelier (which is upside down!), the stained glass windows and architecture are all breathtaking. Not to mention, its history is fascinating. Its just a magical place to be in.

Favorite piece you’ve written for Untapped:

Invader Strikes in NYC Again: Photos and Map of Locations was a lot of fun to work on. While it wasn’t always easy, tracking down his pieces was like hunting for clues. I’d see a phone number next to one of his images and Google it to find out where it was. And now when I’m out in the city, I’ll see a landmark and remember that’s where one of his mosaics are. It never disappoints to see them in person.

What’s the most memorable thing that happened while writing for Untapped Cities?

I forced my brother to take a trip with me out to Coney Island to write a piece about the Coney Island Brewing Company. Stupidly, I didn’t look at the brewery’s website before we took the hour long train ride out there. When we arrived, it was closed. However, I noticed movement inside and decided to knock on the door. A man let us in and allowed us to take pictures so I was still able to get the piece done!

What’s the most surprising and/or valuable thing you’ve learned while at Untapped Cities?

As corny as it sounds, the most valuable thing I’ve learned while at Untapped is that New York will always surprise you. There are so many strange, cool things happening all the time – you really never know what will happen next!

What’s your favorite Untapped place you’ve visited while traveling? Where do you want to visit next?

I recently backpacked through Southeast Asia and was blown away Bangan in Myanmar. You can rent a motorbike and ride for hours, exploring and climbing pagodas. Its stunning – they go on for miles.

Next, I’d really like to take a road trip across the US. My friend just did one and I realized how much of the country I’ve yet to explore.

What’s your favorite obscure fact about your city?

This isn’t exactly my favorite fact about New York, but I was a History major and most of my studies focused on U.S. slavery so I was taken aback when I found out New York, Wall Street to be specific, had the second largest slave market in the country.

Craziest thing you’ve ever done?

I recently participated in an art exhibition at Milk Studios where I allowed a famous tattoo artist, Scott Campbell, to tattoo whatever he wanted on my arm. And, the entire time I had no idea what he was designing because I had stuck my arm through a “glory hole” and had no contact with Scott beforehand. I ended up getting a yin yang on my upper left arm and I’m in love with it. I also got to meet his wife, actress Lake Bell, who I’m a big fan of, so that was amazing.

I also tried to free an alligator from a music festival in Louisiana. Luckily, the guards chased me down and no one, including the alligator, was hurt.

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