After having visited many cities, New York is my preferred global city. New York City is a living breathing organism whose heartbeat pulsates with incredible energy. From the time it was inhabited by Native Americans, to its establishment as a Dutch colony, to today’s diverse global metropolis, New York continues to evolve. This is not to debate whether Europeans, and eventually Americans were fair to the Native Americans, or even present day crime rates, but rather appreciate the diverse multicultural beauty of New York.

Anyone who is interested in the history of New York really should watch Ric Burns’, “New York: A Documentary Film”. This is a nine part documentary film, consisting of nine DVDs each running for about 120 minutes. This is a serious history, beautifully and poetically captured by veteran documentary filmmaker Ric Burns. The series shows like a great epic novel beginning with New York as a Dutch Colony and ending with the most recent installment of Post 9/11 New York. However, more than the city, it is about the people of New York, everyone from the Irish to the Italians, the Puerto Rican to the African Americans, and the Asians to the African– The everyday people whose stories of struggle, sacrifice, triumph, and tragedy are just as profound as the city which they inhabited.

The first time I saw New York City was on October 30th 1982, and since then I have returned often to this wonderful city. I love the physical energy. I am repeatedly amazed at the diversity. I love the organic and the inorganic facets of New York. The history of New York City is the history of the United States, and more importantly, it is the story of those individuals who have contributed equally in building this phenomenal country.


http://www.ricburns.com/flash.html

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0220924/

http://www.amazon.com/New-York-Artist-Not-Provided/dp/B000BITUF2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1251247028&sr=8-1

http://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/?front_door=true

http://www.nyctourist.com/