Manhattan

I'm not a big city person. I find crowds of people intimidating, I long for the peace and fresh air of the countryside. This is about as close as I want to get to New York. I think. Yes there is a certain curiosity as to what draws people to these big metropolis'. I am sure with the right guide, there are a huge number of things that I would love to do in New York and that I would have a great time there. It's just finding the time and the guide.

But it always fascinates me as to why cities are where they are. Who was that person who decided, this is to be where I want to live and this shall become a population centre? What was it that made it a good place? Of course rivers and access to the sea make it a good place, but there are a number of good places where rivers meet the sea - what made New York the must see city of the US rather than Philadelphia, Boston or Baltimore?

To fly up the Hudson River is a great privilege and would recommend any one visiting New York to get a helicopter ride to see the Manhattan skyline from the air.

Sorry the quality is poor.