More to be done in NY

---

New York Manhattan is a city that at first take I did not like. But after I gave it another week I found that there were many things to like and so many different sides to the city that I had to reconsider what made a good metropolis. To its credit it really does buzz off its own energy. This is a city for people with energy and ideas.

Every day I have seen someone creating a new crazy new idea or product. This place is ruthless to those that try, but many persist and some have made their way. For those products that are successful, they will be succesful anywhere in the world. The streets are covered witih the brands that have survived this bear pit and they include: LG, iPod, Nike, GMC.... Most of the products are or appear to be home grown.

In my second week in New York, I passed through several tourist sites and was hit by the realisation of what so many predecessors had to go through in getting to this country. It really is amazing how many people dream of living in the new world. (Even the broadway musicals like Fiddler on the Roof, which I saw dwelled on this message to some degree).
Americans really do love their country.

One of the sites was a little island just off from the Statue of Liberty. Called Ellis Island this was the immigration processing centre for New York between 1900 and 1924. It processed millions of refugees and travellers just looking for a better life. Surprisingly, 98% of all the immigrants where accepted and New York's processing centre even had a hospital to care for those that were sick.

The next exihibit was an art gallery. This was one place which bucked the trend with a significant number of the artists on exhibit showing a strong desire to go back to Europe to gain recognition or skills.

With the help of a few new friends I have also seen the inside of the commodity trading room of NYMEX. For those that are interested this is the exchange shown in the movie Trading Places. On a concerning note it moved from the WTC one year before 9/11. As you can imagine security is tight and and I was watched by armed guards all the way.

NY is certainly one of the largest financial centres of the world and a potential breading ground for new ideas.

---

Photos

A view of the city from inside EI
While the travellers where being processed they could see the city they wanted to reach. Many had been travelling for 14 days.

Wall Street
A building is not complete without the flag.

Comments

[John P]

good blog
Your great journal has converted me. I used to complain that the Net has killed the art of letter writing but you have shown it transcends it. Love from us all and see you soon. John.