Photography: Springtime in Quarantined New York Part 7
Photography: Springtime in Quarantined New York Part 7
If you follow me on the various social media platforms, you’d know that last week, my mom had to go to Mount Sinai Hospital to have a hysterectomy as part of a course of treatment for uterine cancer. Because of COVID-19, I Couldn’t bet her with her — and it filled me with a deep anguish: I knew that mom would be scared — rightfully so — and that I couldn’t be there to offer much in the way of comfort.
After dropping her off at the hospital, I spent some time working. I needed the distraction and something to keep from falling into anxious worry. This particular portion of the Springtime in Quarantined New York series found me in Manhattan for the first time since the stay in place orders — and it was a surreal and eerie experience.
Check out photos below.
Central Park’s Bethesda Terrace and Fountain is one of my favorite places in the entire city. Being there, during quarantine without people was a surreal and unsettling experience: instead of classical musicians performing under the terrace, the only thing that was heard was birds chirping excitedly and the conversations of a handful of New Yorkers walking their dogs.During the quarantine, New Yorkers have become rather skittish around each other — rightfully so. But this New Yorker may have been the friendliest New Yorker I’ve encountered in the past few months. Although this good boy looked like he was in need of a good petting, I had to refrain. There’s a belief that people could spread COVID-19 through interactions with dogs: Say, I’m an asymptomatic carrier or have very mild symtpoms and i pet your dog. Without thinking about it, you touch your dog and then maybe touch your face, inadvertently contracting the virus. Such is life in the time of quarantine, right?
This was seen in Central Park’s Sheep Meadow. Everywhere you go, you’re reminded of the social distancing guidelines — even in the park
This paper mache statue was made by a father and son team to thank the healthcare workers at Mount Sinai Hospital and elsewhere.
Oddly, I hadn’t seen The Guggenheim Museum in person before — that is until the quarantines. It was something I was planning to do but never really got a chance to do. Regardless, being around the museums of Museum Mile without people was so very weird.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, I’ve spent many hours walking through that beautiful building’s hallways, looking at art. I hope I’ll be able to do that again — soon.Central Park West and West 81st Street, It’s been some time since I’ve been in the neighborhood. The last time, I was by the American Natural History Museum, I was taking part in the March for Our Lives demonstration.
Even when things have been horribly uncertain and scary, there’s been a gentle reminder that it’s still spring — the flowers are still blooming, and things find a way to continue as they almost always do.
I spent seven years of my life working in Times Square and seeing it completely empty was strangely beautiful.
Bryant Park and New York Public Library. I’ve spent a lot of time in Bryant Park and being there was a small comfort — at least for a bit.