COVID was a tragedy that shook the world, and New York was at the epicenter of it all. It was, without a doubt, the worst place to be during the pandemic—empty streets, shuttered businesses, and a city that once never slept now frozen in fear. The energy was gone, replaced by an eerie quiet.

But as much as I recognize the devastation, there’s something I have to admit: during that time, I had New York all to myself. The usual hustle and bustle of this vibrant city disappeared, and I was able to experience it in a way that no one else could. The streets were mine to walk, the landmarks mine to photograph without the crowds. It was surreal, a bittersweet privilege.

I know it’s something that may never happen again, and while the world was at its lowest point, I couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of solitude and peace in a place that is usually anything but.