Last night I went back to NYC for the first time since the hurricane here's what i've observed so far. It's what I wrote on my facebook page.
Ok first day back in New York. I have not yet been south of 32nd st yet. But from what I can see in midtown most of the buildings have suffered only minor superficial damage. There is a lot of major rust on some of the buildings. Many shops that are usually open are vacant. While your usual mcdonalds, starbucks and even my company is still open. The lines for the buses are very long. 2 or 3 hours each way to the outer boroughs. Some of the trains are back up and running but with no power downtown, there are reports of wild west type behavior especially in areas with already higher than average crime already for the Manhattan area. I got off at penn station today instead of my usual 28 allen st stop in chinatown. I wasn't going to risk becoming a victim when downtown is dark and feels like a ghost town at 5:30 am in the morning. There are a lot of cyclists running around the area right now. Because right now, the bicycle is the fastest mode of transportation.
The Chinese bus company didn't even fill half of the bus in DC and Balitmore headed to New York at 1:30 am Friday Morning. The funny this is and I'll leave you with this. The World Trade Center is probably the only building with lights and power downtown, and it's not even finished. They must have one powerful generator.
Hi Kenneth,
That's interesting that the unfinished WTC building was powered up while everything around it was dark.Maybe they didn't want to risk having the situation taken advantage of with someone trying to do something to that new building.Interesting to read your view of what the city is like currently as I was there just last Saturday,two days before the storm hit.They are going to have their work cut out for them trying to repair the damages to lower Manhattan,especially all the subways.Of course those New Yorkers are very hearty so they'll come out just fine:)Glad you survived the storm yourself:)Cheers.
Mârk
Thanks for the update.....take care of yourself
Hi Kenneth,
Very glad to hear all is well with you. I really feel bad for all the shop owners and people who live up there where Sandy took her toll. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers that things return to normal soon. I hope you stay safe and don't become a victim.
As for the WTC lights, I rather believe the hundreds of souls who perished there are the ones who are the source of the light. I can't help, but believe that. We will miss the the precious people we lost on 9/11 forever. May they always Rest in Peace.
Take good care up there, Ted
My understanding is the Port Authority has their own generators
which is why they have lights and power.