It's hard to believe how empty Grand Central Terminal is these days. It was the first time at GCT in over a year, and things have really changed due to the pandemic. If I didn't know better, I might have thought things were "normal" based on how everything felt when I arrived. Things felt too comfortable for comfort. None of the usual crowds were milling about the terminal. None of the food stands and news stands I usually counted on seemed to be open - as if they closed the terminal after rush hour ended. And most of all, the relative quiet of the place compared to the old normal.
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I spent the whole work day in my usual tunic and trouser garments. However, I was prepared for the evening, as I had pantyhose on underneath. This way, I could change into my dress without the time consuming headache of donning hosiery when I needed the time for something else. And I did need the extra time before catching the train into NYC, as I couldn't find my favorite scarf. Why did I look for the scarf? 50 mph wind gusts. The last thing I needed was for my hair to look shitty when meeting someone in person for the first time.
Luckily, I was able to make it to the local train station with a few minutes to spare. While waiting, I noticed that Metro North was preparing a new platform to serve a track not accessible from the original platform. (It looks like a temporary platform to me, but they could make it permanent in the future.) The train came a minute afterward, and I was n my way into the city.
Arriving at the terminal, my first destination was an ATM. However, Chase had moved its ATMs out of Grand Central and the closest Chase ATM was at a branch across the street. (I was lucky to arrive 15 minutes early, as I needed the extra time to get some money.) I was surprised when I found that the machine dispensed a $100 bill. That C-Note won't be spent any time soon. A few minutes later, I met my new friend and we walked to the restaurant.
My friend realized that this restaurant was a different one than she expected to go to, but we had a pleasant meal. Around 9:00, we walked back to GCT and we said our goodbyes. Hopefully, she'll be interested in a friendship. If not, it was a nice evening with someone new.
