THE CENTRE OF THE WORLD-by Marta González López

THE CENTRE OF THE WORLD

If someone asked you about travelling to the center of the world, what would you think he or she is referring to?

For some people that have already experienced it, it’s crystal clear. Because once you visit it, you will never be able to forget it. I’m talking about New York City.

‘’The big apple’’, ‘’The city that never sleeps’’ or ‘’The concrete jungle, dreams are made of’’ are just a few of the hundreds of nicknames NYC has all around the world. If there’s one thing the city of New York has, it’s that it leaves no one indifferent; everyone has an opinion about this wonderful place, this may be due to the huge number of movies that have been filmed there, or the spectacular pieces of architecture built there. The thing is, you either love it or hate it.

In my case, I’m passionate about it though I’ve never been to New York City. That’s why one of my biggest dreams is to go there.

NYC is formed by 5 districts: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. Probably, Manhattan is the most striking one, but also the most expensive one. It was recently announced that the island of Manhattan (which in the native Indian’s language means: The quiet hills’ island) is where the most expensive flats in the whole world are. For example a small flat with two rooms, could cost you 1,000,000 $.

It is said, that if you stand in the middle of Times Square and just watch people of multiple races walk around, you can feel the energy of the planet, that’s what makes it so special. Also, you may have heard the expression: ‘’If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere’’, a sentence full of hope and optimism.    

Some of NYC most famous symbols are the Statue of Liberty, The Empire State Building (which lights every night in different colors), Central Park (the city’s lung), the Chrysler Building (representative of the art deco style), Wall Street (heart of the financial world), Broadway (full of theatres), the United Nations Headquarters, the brand new One World Trade Centre (reminder of the catastrophe that happened on 9/11/01), The Brooklyn Bridge (which links Manhattan to Brooklyn), Harlem (with its gospel) The Flatiron Building (first skyscraper), Saint Patrick’s Cathedral or the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art).

You cannot summarize all NYC in a piece of paper because it is full of surprises in every corner. That is the greatest thing of New York City and the reason why you should love it.