Christmas and Covid in Mexico City

December 19, 2020 2035 Coyoacan, Mexico City

I flew down here on Monday, leaving Bethlehem with the threat a major snowstorm to blow through the area on Wednesday.  For the first time I used Lyft which came in a few minutes and dropped me off at the bus depot.  Through a light snowstorm, the bus took off to pick up more passengers at Allentown airport, Easton, and another stop in Jersey before Newark.  At Newark, I checked my bag, security and had a good two hours to drink a couple of beers and have a veggie burger and fries.  I sat at the bar and had the bartender to myself and after a few minutes wanted to be alone.  The airport was eerily quiet.  A girl rode a skateboard through the terminal and glided by with ease.  I wanted to ask her if I could take it out for a spin since she looked like she was having fun, but instead I was responsible and worked - answered emails and kept an eye on the crowd that was forming at the gate.  I like a couple of glasses of wine while flying. I got up and asked the woman at the counter if there was wine on-board.  The United website was vague. Oh, yes, the woman said. Good.  I boarded and spoke with Bella Boop, grateful to Ali since Bella cannot use her phone.  And we were off.  When the flight attendants came around with a bag of snacks and a small water and soda or coffee I asked if they had wine.  Oh, we’re not serving wine or beer in economy.  I was not happy and had a ginger ale.  I watched sports which is something I don’t do.  And looked out of the window at the distant lights and was prepared for the usual bouts of turbulence.  I’m used to it.  I felt immobile in my tight economy compartment.  My knee was against the seat in front of me.  It has been more than 9 months since I flown and yet it felt good to be back in the sky even though it was night.  I prefer the day when I can see more, especially the clouds.  We landed a little early in Mexico City, after flying over buildings and cramped roads.  I sent a message to Mel that was here.  My wife was waiting for me and after taxing, immigration and recovering my luggage, and at last after 9 months we were together.  We had a late dinner and an Uber to the Airbnb where I am writing this.  The days have been filled with work expect for today.  Meli and I bought a few things at a local shop - to decorate the apartment for Christmas and afterwards went out for a bite.  Mexico City is in a code red which means the museums we wanted to go into are closed as well as the parks.  We’re smack between the Frida Kahlo museum and Leon Trotsky museum, but cannot go inside either.  The storm did hit the area.  I’m grateful for my neighbor who dug a trail for the post.  I owe her.  In Mexico City, it’s 70, in the days and there are no hints of rain or snow.  

Thank you for reading this.