Dear Stairwell
by Connie Finnegan
Connie is a retired high school English teacher who came to Buenos Aires for a visit and stayed for a quarantine.
4/20/20
Good Morning, Stairwell,
Can’t say I’m delighted to see you again for another mile of stair-stepping. Of course I’d much prefer to be outdoors, taking in the sunshine, feeling the wind, smiling at the pockets of people sharing music and mate by the Rio de la Plata. Even dodging the fishermen and their tangled lines would be preferable to “100 down, 100 up” and repeating that times ten; but to be honest, I’m glad you are there. Your solid steps reassure me that I too am staying in place. The rhythm we’ve established helps break the boredom and brings a welcome outpouring of sweat, so thank you for that. (Admittedly the endorphins from our time together might just be saving my sanity in lockdown.)
So tell me, what have you observed over the course of these five weeks? Do you prefer my husband Joe’s lightly-treaded jaunt to my more labored lumbering? Are there other members of the Anchorena community that have caught your eye? Any advice you’d like to offer someone just trying to stay fit while hopefully not losing their grip?
I trust we will be going our separate ways eventually and I was wondering what secrets you could share before I leave? Any lessons you’d suggest I take back when that day finally comes? Oh, and how’s this for an idea: on my very last trip to the rooftop, I will leave the peso coins I’ve been using for counting purposes as a COVID memento. Just something to remember me by. Thoughts? Let me know.
Until tomorrow,
Connie
PS Any podcasts you’d prefer for our time together?
S T A I R W E L L I N T E R N A T I O N A L
645 Dr Thomas Anchorena
Buenos Aires, Argentina
“Taking our customers to new heights in COVID19.”
April 24, 2020
Dear Ms. Finnegan:
Thank you for your letter. We take pride in our performance and appreciate the time you took to let us know your feelings about the steps you’ve been taking to better health in COVID19.
Your previous days spent river-running do sound lovely, but please note that those routes did little to help you overcome your lifelong fear of falling down stairs. And if we are not mistaken, we did hear a recent report of your quick recovery during a “near slip” in the tub last week. We feel certain that you have gained an extra degree of balance from your miles on our apartment’s stairwell. So, “You’re Welcome?”
While of course we enjoy Joe’s “lightly-treaded jaunt” on the stairs, we ask that you kindly refrain from comparing your efforts to his. Your steady pace has served you well in lockdown; and with your focused attention on a goal of virtually climbing Mt. Everest, just imagine what you might accomplish before your imminent departure.
And when you do leave, we’d be honored to host those five peso coins you’ve been using for counting purposes. While we would like to caution you that actually counting the steps has never made the time go any faster, we recognize that placing coins at the top each time you ascend is practical. Leaving them behind would be a testimonial to your perseverance.
If we can be of any service in the future as you await looser restrictions under lockdown, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
With our steady and concrete support as you carry on,
Stairwell
Stairwell International
@645 Dr Thomas Anchorena
PS Please enjoy any podcast that you find entertaining; however we prefer you hike our stairwell without tears in your eyes, so perhaps avoid the highly emotional topics.
