I just finished a tough workout and decided to relax and write a short blog entry before I go see some friends and family for dinner.

I have been in New York for the past couple of weeks training.  It was great to see and meet a lot of my teammates.  All you Knicks fans will be glad to know that everyone here is working hard to get ready for the season.  All of us are on the team because we want to return the Knicks to their proper place in the league…the top!

While in town, I also unveiled the NY Knicks billboard with my pic on it.  It is on Broadway between 46th and 47th near TKTS and the W Hotel Times Square.  I went down to Times Square in a double decker bus last Thursday with some kids from the Garden of Dreams Foundation.  We had a great time talking about the importance of education, staying in school and basketball.  I hope they remember our day together as they get older, I know I will. Check out STAT Shots and my Facebook Page for more pictures from that day.

I just took some time to read through your responses on my  Facebook page posts and I wanted to thank you all for your kind words.  It is great to feel so welcomed by a new city.

Peace.

Amar’e

I’ve been busy traveling for the past couple weeks.  I finally went to Israel after trying to go for the past four summers.  It was the best trip of my life.  The country is amazing and I learned so much about the culture, people, tolerance and history.  I think most of you know that I am into learning about U.S. history and I am branching out to learn more about world history.  I didn’t go to college so I like to read and learn as much as I can on my own.

I was in Israel for ten days and everywhere I went I met Knicks and NBA fans, I am so grateful for all the support and love. I checked out all the famous tourist spots and saw where so many things in human history happened.  I am looking forward to going back to see more and learn more about the history and culture in the region.  I am enjoying broading my horizons and getting to travel outside of the country for pleasure.

After getting over a couple days of crazy jet lag, I headed to Montana for some fishing and hiking.  It was a great place to clear my mind – so quiet and you could see millions of stars at night.  I even saw a couple of black bears relaxing in the distance when we were checking out the area.  Such a beautiful part of this country.

The trips are over and now it is all about getting ready for the season.  I’m in New York for the USA Basketball events at Radio City Music Hall.  Make sure to follow me @Amareisreal to see what I am doing this Monday, August 16.  Hopefully, you can stop by to say hello.

Time to get to work.

Peace.

Amar’e