New York, with a population of over seven million, is a city that is constantly changing; that
which is trendy and fashionable one day becomes .old hat. the next. However, change is
stimulating and this is reflected in the high paced energy that is exuded by the inhabitants and
establishments of New York.
New York.s location on the Hudson River, Long Island and the Atlantic Ocean made it a
primary disembarkation point for immigrants to the USA. The first European settlement on
Manhattan was by the Dutch, in the early seventeenth century, they named it New
Amsterdam. In 1664, the British acquired it and renamed it New York.
New York is, in my opinion, like no other city on earth. It is the centre of world trade and
finance, and is renowned for its contribution to the worlds of art, entertainment, and fashion.
It is a cultural melting pot, almost every language on the planet is spoken there; no other city
offers quite such ethnic, social and cultural diversity. New York has over 18000 restaurants,
150 museums and more than 10000 stores; it is impossible to become bored.
Even though the diversity, at times, causes stresses and strains; when faced with serious
challenges, such as the .white out. of January 1996 and the terrorist attack of 9/11, New
Yorkers pull together.
Although renowned for its skyscrapers New York also offers open spaces, such as Central
Park and Bryant Park, that act as lungs to the city. Districts such as Little Italy and China
Town offer a veritable cornucopia of regional sights, tastes and smells.

Close Encounters with a Hooker
One evening, in the early nineties, I was passing through New York for a few nights; having
been on a business trip in Simi Valley and Salt Lake City. I .hooked up. with a good friend
of mine who lives there, and we went out to a restaurant then a few bars with some of his
friends for a good evening of camaraderie and table ice hockey (I would rate my performance
as being 1 out of 10). All good things come to an end so we bade our farewells. I was kindly
offered a lift back to my hotel. However, I declined as it was only a few blocks away; I had
assumed there to be no .clear and present danger. to my personal well being, after all I did
have my secret weapon (I refer you to my secret weapon of the projectile vomit - see page
111 for my detailed description of this process).
I was correct, in as much as, there was no danger of robbery or violence. However, I had
neglected to take into account the risk factor of itinerant street trading (specifically
prostitution); you should beware that this was New York in its pre Rudy zero tolerance days. I
was walking back, minding my own business, when .out of the shadows. a lady in an
artificial leopard spot fur coat (for it was winter) approached me and offered an evening (well
half an hour for 50 bucks) of unbridled pleasure etc etc. I declined her kind offer, and
continued on my way. However, those of you who have encountered American salespeople
(whatever product, or service they may be selling) will be able to attest to the fact that they
are, if nothing else, persistent. Needless to say, the lady did not intake no for an answer, she
pursued me, and proceeded to give me a detailed verbal menu of her services and charges. I
again politely declined her offer, and continued at a brisk pace.
 

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