I’m writing this post just an hour out from when the winds of Irene are supposed to kick up. With the mayor urging people to stay indoors Sat 9PM to Sun 9PM, I thought it’d be ok to walk around 6PM-ish to grab pictures of an eerily empty Soho (& more honesty to grab a solid meal before resorting to snacks).
Mayor Bloomberg said to hope for the best and prepare for the worst, and it seems many stores heeded his message. After all, we are experiencing many firsts with Irene. In an unprecedented fashion, the mayor issued a mandatory evacuation of all those living in Zone A (low-lying areas such as Lower Manhattan). And for the first time in its 100-year history, the city shut down the subway and bus services as of noon today.
H&M is one of the many stores with stacks of sandbags outlining its doors. Other businesses boarded up their windows. But in true New York-ness, you find people from all walks of life dealing with situations quite differently. In the thick of hurricane watch, there was a dance party at Felix restaurant. It’s always been known for that European pop-your-collar scene, but at a time when families are checking into shelters…a bit obnoxious.
Now, I’m not saying Irene should have you sulking at home, but an all out dance party? I worry about how all these drunk people will stumble home (catch the video here). I have a guilty confession of my own, though. While most are probably boiling ramen noodles at home, I was able to dine on fine sushi. Here’s another city first: no freakin’ line at Tomoe! I owned the place. I have pictures in the gallery to prove this epic, rare event. And Irene, if you happen to be reading this post, please know that while this is the toughest city on earth, we have gone through enough hardships. Please make this a breeze.
With fondest respect for Mother Earth,
Julie
