| When Henry Hudson arrived in 1609 few could | | | | Art lovers should make their way to the Metropolitan |
| possibly have anticipated the legacy he would leave | | | | Museum of Art and revel in its noble works from |
| behind. From humble beginnings, New York City has | | | | America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Alternatively you |
| developed into the greatest metropolis on the planet. | | | | may try the more enigmatic collections housed at the |
| Far from the crime ridden cesspit portrayed in films | | | | Museum of Modern Art and purchase eccentricities |
| from the 1970s, New York has cleaned up its act. | | | | within the gallery stores. |
| Many visitors are pleasantly surprised at the new | | | | If you're fortunate to be in town at Christmas, don't |
| found order and obedience within the present city. | | | | miss the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting |
| Few places can compare for modern human spirit, | | | | including the wonderful festivities. New York captures |
| depicted perfectly in the mass gathering of human | | | | the full Christmas flavour; maybe you'll even be lucky |
| emotion that is the New York City Marathon. Sunset in | | | | enough to see some snow. |
| Central Park is the motivation for training. | | | | The bottom line is New York - and Manhattan in |
| But New York is also a place for individuals. The | | | | particular - is a living organism. The city that gave the |
| mammoth manmade canyons - a consequence of | | | | world legends such as Miles Davis, Irving Berlin and |
| New York's endeavour to reach the sky with its epic | | | | Martin Scorsese quite literally shakes you by the |
| buildings - provide a space to reflect on its worldwide | | | | shoulders and pushes you into the 21st century. |
| fame. | | | | Many have succumbed and sought refuge in this |
| For many New Yorkers the sun can prove pretty | | | | vibrant theatre. John Lennon, Andy Warhol and the |
| elusive. The rousing skyscrapers shroud the Big Apple | | | | great lady herself, The Statue of Liberty - a gift from |
| in shadow for much of the time. | | | | Paris - have all yielded to the cities charm. |
| For the tourists however, New York is blessed with | | | | When you find yourself entering the gates of New |
| iconic landmarks on every corner. Make your way to | | | | York for the first time, ignore the lousy coffee, New |
| the summit of the Empire State Building to witness a | | | | Yorkers' dress sense, and the constant irritation of |
| magnificent 360-degree view that is the glory of | | | | 'wacky' mobile phone ring tones. Just take a breath, |
| Manhattan. | | | | grab a seat and go along with the ride. |