New York, New York

I remember reading this a long time back , a view expressed by someone who was writing about the Big Apple. He said if aliens were to arrive on planet Earth in peace and we had to take them to our greatest city, we would take them to New York. He was American. Well....

• Given the average American's limited knowledge of the world, I think I could classify as an alien
• About peace, I am definitely here in peace. The alien nation of which I am a proud citizen has throughout it's history welcomed invaders with open hands.
  

So I qualify. But here's where things change. No one's taking me, I'm heading to New York myself, in two days. So while I have never celebrated Christmas my whole life, I will definitely be spending it this year in NYC.
Couple of friends tell me I'll love it, but personally, I don't think NY will be a great tourist spot. NY lays it claims to being one of the greatest cities in the world today not because of it's natural beauty, neither because it is tourist paradise. But solely on the basis of its commercial buzz, its fashion vistas, its cosmopolitan culture and its corporate activity among many other things. And if I had to feel it's pulse, I'm sure I only could if I worked there for a while. And that will be some time.
So while I am sure it's an amazing city, I doubt I will be able to truly experience it this time.