The more we learn about the City of New York, the more we are astonished by the sheer number of accomplishments that form the bedrock of our town.  A multitude of architectural marvels, our parks, transportation systems, educational institutions, theaters and sports arenas are only a few of the wondrous facilities and structures that have helped make our city a worldwide center.  We justifiably boast about being "THE" fashion, entertainment, and financial center of the world as well as a city of unbounded opportunity whose "streets are paved with gold". While we might not be the one and only cosmopolis, New Amsterdam (as we were named at the time) has, since its early 17th century establishment as a trading post, occupied a prominent place at the very center of almost everything that has historically made urban centers unique experiences to people the world over.

As I wander through the five boroughs of the City of New York pursuing my mission to learn even more about our city, taking photographs and putting together the neighborhood descriptions we use for City Legacy's web site, one major revelation strikes me, in every community I visit.  Bricks and mortar not-withstanding, what really places our town in a position of true uniqueness is our people.  Since the early 1600's the City of New York has been the primary port of entry for people from virtually every corner of the world.  They came here seeking a better life for themselves and their families. No city anywhere can claim the diversity and depth of personal experience to be found in virtually every neighborhood within our city.  If we have a monopoly in anything, it can be best characterized by the 170 plus languages and cultures that exist throughout our five boroughs.  I have often said that one of the greatest things about living in this city is that for a $2.00 subway or bus ride one can truly experience almost every nation and culture in the world.