Someone once told me that I would either love New York or hate it. I both loved it and hated it. I found the cities raucous atmosphere intoxicating, but at the same time, seeing Starbucks on every corner, which to me typifies capitalism gone rampant. I fell in love with the people of New York, they are a fantastic bunch and as diverse as they can be, they all have a ‘gene se qua’ that’s quiet appealing. I found it hard to fault how abruptly rude they can be, because they just tell it like it is, which I appreciated and found it to be quite endearing.

I also found out that no matter where you go in New York there is always something happening. On my first day here, I took a walk from one of the top New York hotels, where I was staying, through Central Park. It was a Saturday, so Central Park was bustling with joggers, walkers, sunbathers, in-line skaters, and all kinds of sports being played ranging from hockey, to softball, to ultimate Frisbee.  The softball games I found to be the most entertaining with all the yelling going on between the umpires and the players. Later, I decided to change avenues, but I had no idea that I would feel like I changed continents! There were thousands of dancing and cheering Latinos all lining the street. It really took me aback for a few minutes. Someone finally told me that I was witnessing the Dominican Republic Day parade. It felt like all of New York was participating, there were police, firemen, politicians and tons of others parading down the street.

I did visit the Statue of Liberty, a Burger King, the Empire State Building, the what was the World Trade Center, Manhattan Bridge, Times Square and rode the subways from end-to-end without getting mugged. I guess the city really is cleaned up. Amazing. Walking the city, I found to be a real treasure as I absorbed the atmosphere and watched as New Yorkers went about their day. It was so different than how T.V. portrays the city. It’s so much better.a

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