Landing in New York is an experience in itself. Even from above, the city reveals its dominance through its verticality. Once on the ground, its restless the pace sets the tone for the rest of the stay.

If you arrive in the evening, you might think the buzz around this town is a bit of an overstatement. This is just a lure, a visual trick where the darkness comforts your eyes before you truly apprehend the scale before you.  
Once the daylight breaks, reality simply imposes itself. You have entered the kingdom of New York; you are kindly tolerated as a guest to witness its history, its superiority and perhaps take part in its future.

Intimidation was a constant feeling during my stay. Fascination probably came next with the iconic oblique light, the distinct smell, the constant noise, and lively inhabitants.
Walking on the street is a physical act, maybe not as violent as in Paris, but you need to earn your way in. Nothing comes for free in the Big Apple.

New York is a meeting point of the world civilizations. Here, no one fully feels foreign because of the color of their skin or their accent. It is more about speed, directness and navigating a flow that constantly evolves through the day. No single culture is dominant; New York adapts to whichever leads the pack and embraces it like the cover of a top-charting album.  

Yet, some elements are eternal, and forever relevant, no matter the evolution the city undergoes. Whether it is the MET, Madison Square Garden, cheesecake, Sinatra, taxi honk, or the Empire State; none of them can be challenged as the official ambassadors of the town.

The roughness of the outside is compensated by the warmth and intimacy found in its bars and clubs. With the night as their accomplice, people are given the chance to get rid of their masks within the comfort of the music and liquors the city provides.

New York is a stage where your role should never be taken for granted. Many have tried; few succeed, and the fascination remains.