I have written in this space before that when in the City, you view the passing of the seasons not by the blooming of the dogwoods, but by the arrival of spring fashions in the store windows, and tulip pots in the bodegas.
While my friend Michael was visiting this weekend, though, we stumbled upon another unique way that the City celebrates spring: A giant pillow fight in Union Square by the students of NYU. Strolling through the city on one of the most beautiful days since I have moved here, about two blocks before reaching the square, we noticed what we thought were dandelion blossoms or something drifting through the air. As we got closer to Union Square, we realized it was down feathers from hundreds of students and strangers embroiled in a giant pillow fight. Everyone was laughing, everyone was smiling, and I believe ol' George Washington's statute even had a smirk.
