No matter what moniker you choose, it's unlikely to do justice to the vibrancy, charm and magic of New York City. Acclaimed novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald once said that New York "has all the iridescence of the beginning of the world". And if you've ever been there, you would know that's not an exaggeration.
The long and the short of it
By far the most populous city in the United States, "New Yawk" (as the locals call it) is within the state of New York, home to over 8.2 million people and a melting pot of many cultures. It was estimated in 2005 that over a third of its population hailed from outside the US, with almost 170 different languages spoken in the city. In addition, more than 43 million people visit New York City every year.
The city comprises five boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Manhattan, the last being the most famous by far. It is served by two major airports - John F. Kennedy International and Newark International. Both are served by a multitude of carriers, including Singapore Airlines.
Singapore Airlines has recently reconfigured several of its Airbus A340-500 aircraft to offer a 100 seat all-business class non-stop service to Newark, the first of its kind on the transpacific. From June 26 to Oct 25, SIA will offer a daily non-stop service to Newark.
The sights and sounds Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Egypt the pyramids and New York has...well, everything else. Think New York and an image that undoubtedly springs to mind is that of Times Square. So dubbed because the New York Times used to be headquartered there, Times Square is a cornucopia of electric lights, sights and sounds which together create an energy-charged atmosphere you're unlikely to find anywhere else.
Times Square stretches up to the theatre district, where you can send your regards to Broadway.
The Statue of Liberty - the immigrants' gateway to the US - has stood on the shore of Ellis Island since 1886 and has been described as one of the world's greatest tourist attractions.
Then there's the Empire State Building on the corner of 33rd, which once upon a time was the world's tallest building. At 1,4754 feet and 102 stories, it offers a spectacular view. You can see as far as 80 miles on a clear day.
The magic of Manhattan
It has been said that few streets encapsulate the essence of New York the way Fifth Avenue does - here you'll find the Rockefeller Center, Trump Tower, Central Park, museums like MoMA and The Met. For retail therapy, Fifth can't be beaten either.
Pay homage to Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Lord & Taylor. A stone's throw away is Madison Avenue, which is lined with stores like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Barneys. And while you're at it, there's Macy's and Bloomingdale's.
In direct contrast to the elegance and sophistication of Fifth, boho chic Greenwich Village is a neighbourhood which, at the turn of the century, was overrun by writers, artists and socialites all eager to escape the oppressive confines of mainstream society.
Today, "The Village" is still a haven of sorts - a collection of kitschy stores, Italian bakeries, outdoor markets and galleries.
Not too far from "The Village" is New York's financial district, home of the New York Stock Exchange. And it doesn't just stop there. Ice-skate in Central Park, take in a baseball game or catch a musical. This is, after all, New York.
This article was first published in The Business Times on June 26, 2008.
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