The nightless city and me: a foreign perspective on New York

It was evening when we arrived. The chill and snow outside did not bother the seven of us from Hong Kong because we were greeted warmly by the 13 students of Tufts Institute for Leadership and International Perspective (TILIP) from Tufts... We got on the bus, starting the exciting four days in New York.

New York struck me as a city of great cosmopolitanism and dynamics. I come from a city as well, and I know how hard it is for a city to be modern and able to preserve a rich sense of culture as well. The brand-names and sky-scrapers very often submerge the more important elements of culture _ history, tradition and arts. New York City is an exception in that it is a curious paradox, with both leading developments and at the same time emanation of a deep sense of heritage. While the powerful visualization tools at CBS and the fun games at the ESPN Sports Center impressed me, I was at the same time in awe of the magnificent Lion King musical production and the masterpieces in Guggenheim and Metropolitan Museum. The contradiction of culture and development that I have taken for granted all along suddenly seemed resolved, as I walked through the architecture that blends the past and present, and as I experienced the creations that embody the city's artistic side. It is a place where you can find the best of anything _ technology, entertainment, and arts.

The hidden tensions behind the speed and diversity are subtle. It would be hard, if possible, to generalize the character of New York City people. Being multi-racial and cultured, it would be safe to say that in general, the city tolerates different faces. However, the opposition forces of such internationalism can be seen from the blank faces of the homeless on the streets, the man who was brushing his teeth in the library lobby, or the African-American women who scorned at me (a Chinese), and told me to stay away from her. All these posed a sharp contrast to the friendly young man who offered to take a picture for me on Fifth Avenue, the receptionist and cleaning man in the hotel who always carried a welcoming smile and always offered to help when I needed anything, and the intelligence and hospitality of the various speakers and hosts of sites we have been to. This contributed to the complex feelings I have for New Yorkers. The stay in New York made me reflect a lot upon the responsibilities of a progressive and developed society. The diversity of the character of the city's people added both to its beauty and to its realism.

Having seen the city for myself, I truly understand why people are so proud of it. No doubt, it is a leading city in the world. I finally know why, when the planes hit on September 11, it hurts_ much more than just having a piece of the homeland hit, but above all, the pride, the history, the dignity. Things seem to be going on as usual. The world has not stopped, nor has the city. I am reminded of the attack from time to time when I see postcards with the two landmark buildings now gone, but other than that, the city seems to be living with the same vitality it used to be. This perhaps is the best manifestation of remembrance of the incident: the spirit of the city lives on.

Somehow I feel a special attachment to New York. I figure it has the same quick movement of sounds, colors and lights as in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong government keeps trying to promote tourism in Hong Kong with the slogan "Asia's World City" or "Asia's New York." I cannot help but compare the two cities. I am surprised more by the differences than the similarities. Then, I realize, maybe it is no use aiming to become New York after all, as New York is unbeatable because of its uniqueness. What Hong Kong has shared and should continue to share is the strength of its people. What makes New York most impressive are its restless liveliness and vigor.

Intellectual exchange comes in various forms. So far, coming to the US and talking to Tufts students on the program has been a fruitful experience. I look forward to an exciting stay here in Boston as well as the symposium _ the fruits of our exchange on China in Transition.

Cora Chan Sau Wai is a student at the University of Hong Kong in the double degree program of Government and Laws. She is participating in TILIP program.