NEW YORK CITY
New York City is perhaps the worlds best known city. It is the financial capitol of the world and Wall Street is its best known address. The stock exchanges and large brokerages houses make this their home. New York City has something for everyone. The breath taking massiveness of the huge sky scrapers always overwhelm the new visitor. No matter how many pictures you have seen of New York City they don't convey a fraction of the actual beauty and magnitude of getting out of a cab and looking up the first time. As for things to do, there are approximately 150 museums with displays from which you can choose. The Empire State Building, the United Nations, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Broadway are just a few of the places and the things you can do and see.
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STATUE OF LIBERTY
For many of our ancestors, life in America began with a spine-tingling view of the Statue Of Liberty o
n Ellis Island. Even though many came through this entry port broke and perhaps a little worn, this statue provided the symbol of hope, which had been lacking in many of their lives. They knew in their hearts that under the freedom and liberty, symbolized by this lady, and the hard work they could provide, nothing was impossible. Many of the leaders who built this great country started in this manner, penniless and tired but with an incredible desire to fulfill their dreams. They began in New York City, each with a variety of experiences and education. They worked, learned and took advantage of opportunities as they found them. They spread across the land working together with neighbors, family and friends. They helped build this country. We owe these people a great deal.
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
The Empire State Building is located at the corner of 33rd & 34th Streets. It is without doubt the most famous building in the city and perhaps the world. It was completed in 1931 with imported marble displayed in the lobby along with art work depicting the seven wonders of the ancient world. The top 30 floors are lighted from dusk until midnight with colors changing from time to time and on special occasions. Observation towers are open from 8 A.M. until 2 A.M. It is the best place to observe the area and from the s102nd floor you can see for 80 miles on a clear day. Visitors will be screened and waiting lines are common. A must see for all new visitors.
CENTRAL PARK
Central park consists of 843 acres of wooded and landscaped grounds with gardens, lakes, skating rinks, a swimming pool, and a merry-go-round. The Central Park Zoo and Wildlife Conservation provides opportunities to view wildlife in natural surroundings. There are four visitors Centers within the park. Central Park also offers free Shakespearean plays which are presented at the Delacorte Theater during the Summer. Also available are narrated horse drawn buggy rides. Other recreational opportunities include skating, bicycling, boating, tennis, horseback riding, and catch-and-release fishing. Food is available and picnicking is permitted.
BROADWAY
Broadway Theater District has had its ups and downs. In the early 1900's theater was very popular and shows well attended. Aided by the depression in the late 20's and 30's and by talking movies. The big shows in New York faded. By 1970 Times Square was one of the grungiest and most dangerous neighborhoods in New York. The last quarter of the 20th Century saw the demolition of dozens of old Broadway theaters, and the construction of only four new ones. The once glamorous theaters along 42nd Street (including the New Amsterdam) were all in varying states of disrepair. Some showed pornography or kung fu films, while others were crudely converted into retail space. Many felt the decline of Times Square was irreversible. The 1980s saw Broadway dominated by imported mega-musicals (Cats, Les Miserables), and the 1990s saw the rise of well-heeled producing corporations like Disney (Beauty and the Beast, Lion King). These hits brought more theatergoers to Times Square, proving that the district had fresh commercial potential. By the late 1990's a new theater District had emerged. Presently the District has been transformed into a beautiful well lit wholesome area and as the sun goes down crowds of theater goers emerge to enjoy some of the greatest stage productions available in the world.
UNITED NATIONS
The United Nations Headquarters building in New York City is the home of the international organization and one of the most visited sites in the city. The United nations came into being after World II, though the concept had been talked about among world leaders for many years. The theory was that such an organization could prevent more wars and solve disputes around the world. There are presently peacekeepers under the direction of the United Nations stationed around the world. The UN presently has a little under 200 members and membership fluctuates.
The United Nations Headquarters complex houses the General Assembly Building, the Secretariat Building, the Dag Hammerskjold Library and the Conference Building. The United Nations complex is unique in its own right and also has some great treasures from around the world. Each building was designed by a famous architect.
Tours of the United Nations Headquarters complex are held every day and start at 30-minute intervals. Tours are held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. During the months of January and February, the UN buildings are closed on the weekends. Tours are conducted in approximately 20 languages and wheelchairs are available for tours. There is no other facility like this on earth and should be included in your visit to New York City.
