LE MONDE DES CÉLÉBRITÉSPrestigePrestigeTravel by Nivine Maktabi

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Funny is when asked if I like New York, I always smile andsay: «This is where I will be living in my next life». It is in-deed a very fascinating city in this busy world of today. You

meet all nationalities and cultures under one big roof. Accordingto Wikipedia, it is the most densely inhabited urban agglomerationsin the world. That is why it is difficult to write about New Yorkin just few lines or few paragraphs as there is so much happe-ning on all levels and on all aspects in many angles and interests.

For many people, New York is synonymous to exceptionalshopping and fashion, for good food, the Plaza Hotel, MadisonAvenue, Central Park, high earning job, 9-11... the list cango on and on. To start from the beginning, historically spea-king, the Dutch founded New York as «Nieuw Amsterdam» in1614. The duke of York’s brother, King Charles the Second, sentwarships to attack the Dutch in 1664 and renamed it New York.

Now let’s walk between these blocks and discover the Big Apple.In my opinion, you have to be a tourist and act like a touristhence take the bus tour from Times Square. It is probably whe-re everyone wants to start with their New York experience. TimesSquare has like 40 theatres from Les Misérables, Phantom of

the Opera, the Lion King among others. Most buildings are emp-ty as landlords make more money from advertising bill boards.The average annual fees on media and advertising are about 10million dollars a year as a result the offices are empty. It is fas-cinating to know that the first time the ball dropped in TimesSquare was in 1907 on New Year’s Eve and since then it is theritual. Rockefeller Center, another important stop, is famous forits ice skating ring that we see in most movies. It opens from Oc-tober till April every year. Next to the center, there is the DiamondDistrict with around 240 shops controlling the diamond industry andwhere no free samples are given. NBC studios are also oppositethe Rockefeller where the famous Saturday night live show is aired.

Let’sNew York it«Sleeping is a waste of time in New York», asentence I read somewhere white walking inNew York streets, the city that never sleeps...

Times Square by day as busy as by night. At the Rockefeller Center.Saint-Patrick famous chapel for weddings.

Empire State building. At the MET museum.

More than a city, New York is a fascinating destinationwhere you meet all nationalities and

cultures under the same roof...

Inside the Central Park.

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Not far from there, Saint-Patrick cathedral, it is famous andpopular for weddings. Brides and grooms are on waiting listto have their one hour wedding at this particular famous cha-pel. Saint-Patrick is well-known to have weddings every hour.

On the other side of the cathedral, stands the 1924 oldest buildingSAKS on 5th Avenue, a competitor to Macy’s most believe.The Empire State building, this iron flat building that looksa bit like the Big Ben is not to be missed. A picture on thetop roof is a must of this 102-story skyscraper located in MidtownManhattan, New York City, at the intersection of 5th Avenue andWest 34th Street. It is featured in many films and movies. Myfavorite of all would be the 1939 romantic drama film «Love Af-fair». Nevertheless, it is not today’s tallest building of the world.

Greenwich, Soho, Nolita, China Town, Wall Street are inter-esting areas to visit. Greenwich is the artistic district wherefamous musicians, bohemians, writers, comedians used to re-side, hence now is considered the most expensive area to live.Soho or South of Houston street is the most unique shoppingarea in the world. With everything from art stands on the streetto high-end boutiques, Soho is an exciting area to visit andeven stay in one of its hotels: the Down Town Trump Hotel.

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Moreover, the Statue of Liberty, its symbolism has grown toinclude freedom and democracy as well as internationalfriendship. You may visit Ellis Island and Liberty Island ei-ther by boat/cruise in summer or by bus. For those planningto visit New York this summer, note that due to extensive da-mage sustained by Hurricane Sandy, Ellis Island and LibertyIsland are currently closed. Liberty Island will re-open July 4, 2013while Ellis Island will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

As for the Twin Towers, in couple of years the new ones will beready. Meanwhile, you may get some bargains at theCentury 21, aunique department store opposite ground zero worth a visit.

As for the numerous museums, one of my favorite would bethe MET, Metropolitan Museum of Art and of course becausethey also have one of the nicest collections of antique rugsas important as the ones on display at the V&A in London.It is amazing how all western countries draw huge impor-tance on Middle Eastern and Asian art, it is something weshould cherish and appreciate more and more every day. Iwas also curious to check the United Nations headquarter inNew York to view the large square Isfahan rug donated spe-cially for the UN. One of the special features of the 25-squa-re-meter carpet is that the famous verse from the prominentIranian poet, Sheikh Musleh-Uddin Sa’di Shirazi (1184-1291AD), oneness of mankind has been woven into it in pure gold.

View of the NBC studios.

Singing in New York Soho.

Between the famous movie buildings.

In the cold Times Square by night.

Only for tourists.

The Ice Ring at the Rockefeller Center.

Trump Tower black mirrorglass signature.

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And who would not want to walk in Central Park, measuring 400kilometers? When you pay a visit to Central Park, you will dis-cover that there is something for everyone. From guided toursand sports to sightseeing or just pure relaxation, Central Park isNew York’s backyard. Once you come out of the park, and ifyou have some extra cash, treat yourself at the Plaza Hotel oreven go for a blow dry at their famous hairdresser saloon whi-ch is an experience, and do not be surprised with the blow-dry prices because it does not include a room nor a massage.

Do you remember Carry Bradshaw from Sex and the City serieswith her Mr. Big outside the famous Plaza Hotel? Live that mo-ment and don’t forget to wear your heels and in case you didn’tbring them, do not worry, you have all the 5th Avenue and all thedepartment stores including Louboutin store round the corner ofBergdorf Goodman department store to choose a pair or more...In fact, I would also suggest you cross the road and try Cir-priani, the fashionable Italian restaurant. It is almost an exactduplicate of the original Harry’s Bar in Venice, always packeddaily with chic New Yorkers and visitors from all over the world.

Other interesting restaurants to visit are: Minetta Tavern, Balthazar,Pastis, L’Artusi, Blue Ribbon Bakery, The Spotted Pig, 50 commerce,Scarpetta, Colicchio & Sons...

For your stay in New York, it all depends on your budget you can pam-per yourself at the Mandarin Oriental, any of Trumps Hotels, W ho-tel, Waldorf Astoria, the Plaza, and maybe choose among these goodchain hotels like the Intercontinental and Marriot on Times Square.

To conclude à la Frank Sinatra way: «If you can make it there,you can make it anywhere... it is got to be New York... New York»

Times Square, Rockefeller Center,Central Park... Many fabulous places

to visit in New York!

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