After asking my international friends what they would like to see in the USA, the number one answer is always the City of New York, often referred to as New York City or NYC. As an American, the first few things that pop into my head are the Yankees, the Statue of Liberty and skyscrapers. But as a fan of NYC, I think of peanut-butter doughnuts, MTA cards and black coats.Let's go back and talk details! New York, New York, the most populous city in the United States of America, plays home to over 8.4 million. Back in 1624, I'm not sure that many people existed, nor would they have known where the City of New York was! The city was established as New Amsterdam and was a Dutch trading post. (Ever see the city's flag? Ya, nowadays I'm sure there would be some kind of copyright problems with it and the Dutch flag.) But alas when the British took over a mere 40 years later, it was renamed for the King Charles II's brother, the Duke of York. Today, the City of New York consists of the boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. Some fun facts: It once served as the capital of the United States of America and lost 10% of it's population to yellow fever in 1702.
Obviously, New York City has significant historical history from the Revolution, to the slave trade and the Civil War, to what makes the United States so special, immigration. Thanks to a bad potato crop and what historians call The Great Irish Famine, by 1860, 1 in every 4 living in NYC was born in Ireland. People came from all over the world, including my distant relatives, seeking freedom, adventure and the American Dream. Over 12 million European immigrants came through Ellis Island from 1892-1924. Today, over 36% of the population is foreign born, a true definition of the phrase "melting pot".
Alright, so here are some highlights of NYC:
(Note: these are the authors opinions, obviously not everything in NYC can be mentioned!)
- Central Park- Not only do they have a Zoo, but also a skating rink, annoying bike tours and tons of sites to see!
- Doughnut Plant- a personal favorite, I almost made it first!! Home to the peanut-butter and blackberry jelly doughnuts, along with other amazing doughnut!!
- World-renown Universities: NYC is home to Columbia University, New York University, Julliard, Rockefeller University, Parsons School of Design and other well known colleges and universities.
- The Subway and Taxis- I still can't tell you all the find details, but I know the A-D finger trick and the correct way to hold your MTA card as you swipe. I'm fascinated with the subway from the eclectic people you see to the tiled walls and stairways. Now as for taxis, they're all over, take credit cards and the reason I'd never drive in NYC! haha
- The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island- Nothing says Happy 100th Birthday, USA, like a 151 foot tall state of Libertas the Roman goddess of freedom! Thanks, France. And Ellis Island obviously has great significance as a gateway for immigrants entering the US.
- Time Square- Talk about LED and neon sign overload! Thanks Wikipedia for telling me it is the largest commercial intersection in Manhattan. It used to be Longacre Square until 1904 when The New York Times moved their headquarters to a skyscraper at the corner Broadway and 7th Ave.
- There are tons of other great things to see and do in NYC! If you want more information, check out the Official New York City Guide! Or honestly, just google "New York City", you can't go wrong!
