New York City

 

New York City is situated in one of the world's largest natural harbours. Its population in 2020 was nearly 9 million and was 20 million in its greater metropolitan region. 

In the precolonial era, the area of present-day New York City was inhabited by the Algonquian Native Americans.  The first documented visit into the New York Harbor by a European was in 1524 by the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano.  The English Henry Hudson rediscovered New York Harbor in 1609 while searching for the Northwest passage. 

The Statue of Liberty is a world-famous symbol of freedom.  It was a gift from France to the United States to celebrate American Independence.  It was sculpted by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi in 1886.

The heart of Manhattan, Central Park is 843 acres of green space featuring running paths, a boating lake, a zoo, fountains, and a skating ring.  New Yorkers have gathered at this beautiful park since 1857 to enjoy being close to nature.

View of Brooklyn and Brooklyn bridge from Manhattan.  The East river is in the foreground.

Brooklyn has become a favorite borough of mine among other reasons because my son and his wife live there.  Strolling through Brooklyn neighborhoods is like entering a genteel bygone era. 

Prospect Park a 585-acre green oasis is less crowded than Manhattan's Central Park and it offers gorgeous green spaces for exercise, cycling, tai-chi, or simply hanging out to read a book. 

A young couple enjoying a stroll in Prospect Park.

This is the fifth time I have visited New York City.  There are so many venues to enjoy in this great city but one of the best is Brooklyn promenade that offers a magnificent night view of Manhattan.