The lyrics of countless songs reference it. Movies have explored its underbelly and lauded its strength. It is a contradiction of terms. An impossible blending of poverty and opulence, commerce, art and culture. It is the epitome of the American Dream. A vast cultural mosaic, blending histories, cultures, religions, races and creeds in a kaleidoscope of colour, energy and vibrancy that does not exist, in quite the same way, anywhere else in the world. It has been brought to its knees, but would not succumb. It took strength from the world’s proffered sympathy, rising from the ashes, stronger, braver, the flame of liberty held high for all to see. It is a city that never sleeps. It is my favourite city. It is New York.