When we went into lock-down, you could still feel a cold winter wind. Now we are tanning under the sun on the balcony, sneezing away the olive-pollen. Spring has arrived, and already passing, the blazing summer approaching noticeably.

The people of Madrid, or at least those in my barrio (neighborhood), invented creative ways to stay positive and show solidarity during this challenging time. The weekend concerts by living room musicians from the roof-top, and birthday song ensembles joined by the whole street was a regular surprise during our 8pm clapping for appreciation. In a neighboring street, it became custom to greet your neighbors with a mop after the clapping, lifting everyone’s spirits up.

On my occasional outings to the supermarket, I came across this street two blocks from ours, where they decorated their streets through homemade buntings. The neighbor across the street that you never knew the face of, is now your friend who you decorate the street with together.

We may not be seeing our friends as usual, but we are meeting new people in unexpected ways, through your balcony window to those who you live closest to. It makes you think of the time before phones and internet, when you would chat with your neighbor face to face.

Now that we are allowed to go on walks, the anticipation and slight uneasiness can be felt in the air, as we are emerging from a long hibernation. The time for us to go outside is limited depending on the age group, so after 8pm when it is time for adults, the street that is usually filled with cars are overtaken by joggers and dog walkers, the side rails turned into training rods for gym-goers, everyone enjoying their time under the sun as they desire. A special relaxed air floats around, unlike the one found in Madrid at non-pandemic times.

We are still a long way, and it is only starting, but a ray of hope and sunshine can be seen. The city is starting to wake up.