MOS: Tourists in Midtown & Little Italy
Adam G. and Heather G.
Ages: 38 and 38
Where are you from?
H: “Grand Rapids, Michigan. Great lakes.”
I’ve never been to Michigan. Are there any places you recommend visiting, aside from Grand Rapids?
H: “Grand Haven.”
A: “If you’ve never been, Detroit. It’s classic”
What brings you to New York City?
A: “We’re here for her birthday.” (indicates to Heather)
H: “It was a surprise trip. We both haven’t been before! It’s been great.”
What have you been up to?
H: “Just touristy things. Broadway, Central Park, that kind of stuff. It’s been pretty relaxed.”
A: “The people-watching has been fantastic.”
How does it feel being in New York, given the past year with the pandemic?
H: “We feel fine, honestly.”
A: “Geopolitically, Michigan is a lot like New York, so I get a similar feeling being here. I think overall people are getting fed up with it, no matter where you go.”
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Dwayne Holmes
Age: 31
Where are you from?
“Philly.”
What brings you to New York City?
“I’m touring right now with my band. First tour we’ve done in a while so… we’re not rusty, but it’s been a while.”
What type of music do you play?
“Jazz.”
What instrument do you play?
“I’m on the drums. I’m the guy in the back, but I hold it all down.”
What have you been up to when you’re not playing?
“I’m here right now with my girlfriend — she’s with me on the tour. We’ve been eating a lot of food. We’ve been eating our way down this whole street.” [we’re on Mulberry for the Feast of San Gennaro]
How does it feel to be here, given the pandemic?
“I’m grateful, man. I love this city. I’ve been before with my band and without them. I’m definitely careful because I’m around a lot of people. But it’s great man. Look at all this!” (indicates to the festival).
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Jennifer Trejo
Age: 25
I saw that you’re wearing a Raptors jersey. Are you from Toronto?
“I’m actually from Mississauga. Are you from Toronto? “
No, but I’m from Vancouver.
“Aw, that’s too bad. I mean, it’s not too bad. Sorry. I actually saw a guy with a Grizzlies jersey just down there” (indicates down the street).
Is there a game happening right now?
“No idea. Just hot outside.”
What brings you to New York?
“My boyfriend and I have both never been to New York even though it’s right there, so we said ‘f*** it, let’s go for a weekend.’
Did you feel strange travelling to the US?
“Not super. New York feels very different from anywhere else, like if anywhere is going to be super on top of safety, it’s here.”
What have you been up to?
“We’ve been going through this list our friends made us of things to do.”
What’s on the list?
“Some cliche stuff, like walk the highline, or go to Times Square. But then also fun bars or nice shops to go to. We don’t have a lot of time so it’s very casual stuff.
I know you’re from Mississauga, but is Toronto anything like New York?
[laughs] “No way. Only people from Toronto say that.”
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Slade B.
Age: 44
Where are you from?
“Utah.”
…Whereabouts?
“Salt Lake.”
Salt Lake City. Nice. What brings you to New York?
“Seeing my older brother.”
Is he the gentleman over there?
“Yes he is. It’s also my oldest son’s wedding, so he’s showing us around for a bit.”
How does it feel being in New York during the pandemic?
“We’re just doing our best to follow the rules, keep things safe. Utah is a much more conservative state, so all this” (indicates to the entirety of midtown) “is kind of new.”
What do you mean by that?
“It’s just quieter where we’re from.”
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Laura Guskin
Age: 52
Is this your first time in New York?
“Oh, no. I’ve been to New York many many times. Almost too many!”
How many times is too many?
“I have family here, so I come and go a lot.”
Who lives here, from your family?
“My aunt and my sister. It started with my family coming here to visit my aunt. That’s how my sister caught the bug. Now she’s got a family here. All the more reason for me to visit.”
How long has it been since you last saw your family here?
“Two years.”
How does it feel to be here, especially after the past year?
“A bit conflicted. We’re really not out of the woods yet. I’m happy to be here but it’s hard to feel like I’m supposed to be. But I’m so glad to see my sister. The lockdown was very difficult for her.”
Where are you visiting from?
“San Francisco, California.”
