Will New York ever be New York again?

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.