NEW YORK -- I was one of many New Yorkers who had the sad experience of witnessing the destruction of the World Trade Center twin towers. The memories of those moments -- gigantic skyscrapers collapsing like castles made of sand -- have not disappeared from my mind. I wonder if they ever will? After this tragedy, the aftermath of which has affected us all, I also wonder if New York, the most vigorous of cities, will ever be its old self again?
I came to New York from Argentina in 1971, looking for new horizons in my budding scientific career. It took some time to get used to a new country, a new city, a new culture, a new language and new values. But New York soon became home for me, my wife and my daughter, who grew up American but with a sensibility toward Latin America nourished at home.
Although we had only intended to stay a couple of years and then return to our country, it was clear after the first two years that we would be in New York for a long time. New York, although not part of "our country," soon became home. And that in spite of the difficulties involved in the transition.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.