A Day on an Island

By Rickyah Blake

I am not sure how this quarantine has been for everyone else, but it has been difficult for me. I love to be outside, I am always on the go, and being in nature energizes me. I live in New York and it is usually freezing around this time, but oddly enough the weather is pretty nice. I planned a date to Governor’s Island. Governor’s Island is ironically exactly what it sounds like. From its military beginnings as a colonial militia in 1755, Governors Island became a major headquarters for the U.S. Army and Coast Guard, making it one of the longest continually operated military installations in the country until its closure in 1996. I love coming here to just ride bikes, get food, and just chill out in some grass.

You have to schedule ferry tickets to come to the Island due to Covid. Surprisingly there were a lot more people there than I thought. Upon arrival, we spent about 15 minutes walking in circles to decide where to sit. We arrived around 4 pm, and the last ferry leaves at 7 pm. Of course, we settled right next to the food court because after walking, I was starving. I ended up getting rice and peas with curry gravy which was a terrible decision. I don’t know why I would think getting Caribbean food at Governor’s Island would suffice, but you live and learn.

We spent the rest of the time watching Love Island UK on my laptop and laying in the grass. These hours I spent laying in the grass made me feel connected to the Earth. I had to acknowledge that the grass was my natural bed. New York is full of concrete and buildings, it is so refreshing to be in an environment with a natural landscape. I plan to get out into nature once a week, whether that is for meditation, a hike, or just to explore. I think being outside is always a good way to recenter yourself after feeling overwhelmed or disconnected.