"New York - so much to say" New York City by swissfondue

Ok, I will start off by saying that New York was a wonderful surprise to me. I thought it would be just another large impersonal city, too busy to make guests feel welcome. After just a few short hours my preconceived opinion was overturned. I felt instantly at ease.

NEW YORK IS A GREAT CITY

Definitions of great: -

1. [adj] - remarkable or out of the ordinary in degree or magnitude or effect

2. [adj] - of major significance or importance

3. [adj] - relatively large in size or number or extent

4. [adj] - more than usual

NEW YORK IS ALL OF THE ABOVE AND LOADS MORE.

Throughout the city you see the influence of fashion, finance, tourism, art, entertainment and diplomacy, but until I actually saw these existing and working together I could not fully understand why New York is described as the cultural capital of the world.As you would expect from the most populous city in the United States, New York is a melting pot of different cultures and this is no better illustrated than in Chinatown, which is home to the biggest concentration of Chinese people outside China.

In 1898, the modern City of New York was formed with the amalgamation of Brooklyn, the County of New York (the Bronx), the County of Richmond and the County of Queens. But it was the opening of the subway in 1904 which pushed the new city into a new century together with an influx of immigration and development.

This cultural diversity was first acknowledged and welcomed in the first part of the 20th century when more than 12 million European immigrants passed through Ellis Island on route to a new life in New York. From there the city grew at break neck speed into the megacity it is today. The enduring influence of these immigrant families thrives in restaurants in every borough of the city together with art, opera, music and dance. Both locals and visitors to the city are spoilt for choice. The city also houses some of the most influential museums in the world and this, in itself is the mark of a sophisticated city.

I dont normally fill my suitcase with souvenirs but on an impulse I bought a cheesy "I love (heart) New York" t-shirt. New York is an addictive city in the nicest possible way.

• Pros:Its diverse neighbourhoods.