New York [antikvár]

Lower Manhattan seen from Upper Bay. NEW YORK New York is the world's capital, not because its financial district is the most important, or its shops the best, or its publishers the biggest, or its port the finest, but because New York is made up of everyone: Mr Everyman from all over the planet. And maybe even a few beings from other planets New York's character has always come from the vast immigrations which even today are being absorbed into the city. To be a New Yorker you don't - as you do in Paris, or London, or Tokyo - have to speak in a certain way or dress in a certain way or be educated in this or that. In New York you can be anyone from anywhere, and still be a New Yorker In that way, in its lack of effective prejudice, it's the least middle-class town in the world. This lack of unifying culture leads many visitors, usually the wealthier ones, to see New York as a cold town, maybe even a place they don't like. But it's exactly that freedom from obligatory forms which has always made New York so open, dynamic, and even warm - not so much for the haves, but for the have-nots. Or anyway for all those people from all walks of life who prefer not to hide behind the prejudices or the so-called privileges of their own particular background. If you think your ways or your language or culture are better. New York's not for you. If you have an open mind to any form that any idea might take. New York's the most exciting city in the world. It's that simple - take New York as it is, release your own prejudices, and you enter into the spirit which makes the town unique.