New York is quieter, but still a city of contrasts. Some places—for example Jackson Heights, in Queens, near Elmhurst Hospital and the epicenter of the initial Covid outbreak in the spring of 2020—are carefully following the recommendations around social distancing protocols.
Little Italy—at least during the Feast of San Gennaro—didn’t seem to be aware that anything germy had been happening in the last 18 months.
Streets and sidewalks were jammed with people—most of them not wearing masks; it was only inside bars and restaurants that Covid protocols were being observed. I’m neither Italian, nor Catholic, so I can only assume Mr. Gennaro was the patron saint of headstrong revelers and protects his followers accordingly.
Then again, if you live with a Ferris Wheel outside your bedroom window, it might be harder to keep protocols in perspective...
While in NYC, I had the opportunity to pat a lion, and see the “real” Winnie the Pooh; The New York Public Library’s “Treasures” exhibition puts over 250 rare objects from its collection on display, including the real Pooh and pals, a draft of the Declaration of Independence-- complete with cross-outs in Thomas Jefferson’s handwriting. Tickets are free, but you have to reserve them on-line and your visit has a timed entry. The treasures are well worth waiting your turn at the glass.
There was no line to pat the Lions.
No comments:
Post a Comment