I want to wake up in a city that doesn’t sleep… Frank Sinatra starts singing all over the city. Police, firefighters, and ambulance sirens start ringing. Most of New Yorkers backing vocals in that famous song leaning out of the window of their apartments. Moments after, Alicia Keys takes her turn. Every day since last month all has an appointment at 7 p.m. to thank all doctors, nurses, and essential services that are fighting against this invisible and terrible enemy.
After the first month at home only going outside to do groceries, I had the opportunity to have a ride in motorbike from the north to the south part of the island. The sense of freedom in an empty city, familiar and unknown at the same time. It is difficult to not find a popular building every block. The restrictions are not so hard as in Spain and we could do walks keeping precautions. On weekends parks are full of people. All of them wearing masks and keeping social distance between others. Something difficult in the first weeks but now as a part of this new normality. It is amazing to have a walk towards north trough Riverside Park, bordering Hudson river. Or to the south where is located the new Renzo Piano building at Columbia University, Jerome L Greene Science Center on the new campus.
Coronavirus has paralyzed the city, but only its streets. New Yorkers stay here waiting. This is the eighth week working from home. Lockdown is starting to finish. Non-essential workers that have to work in a place like construction are back to work. We will back to the office soon.
We should be optimistic and stay positive. Spring days are here, we enjoy these not to warm temperatures and summer is just around the corner.
Take care of yourself and stay safe!
