New York city is home to a large number of expatriates, such as Christos Bisiotis, who lives and works in the catering industry.
A successful chef saw his new business stop shortly before its implementation, as the city plunged into the pandemic.
"I live permanently in New York but I am temporarily in Miami. I left a little earlier before the spread of the virus broke out. When I left there was this panic but really two or three days after I arrived in Miami it was there that things got out of hand. Before I left, there was no mask, no gloves, none of that," he said.
Ο ομογενής σεφ και επιχειρηματίας, Χρήστος Μπισιώτης Source: Supplied
"It's like someone turned off the lights all over the city"
Laura Neroulias was born in New York, but lives and works in Miami as a deputy vice president of the public relations organisation QUINN.
At the same time, she is actively involved with the Cypriot community of Miami, as she was the founding president of the Cypriot young professionals of the Cyprus-US Chamber of Commerce.
“Miami has always been a city with lots of action – people having fun and smiling, being outdoors, going out with friends, eating dinner outdoors and since the ‘situation’ came, it has changed a lot. The streets are empty, all the restaurants and hotels are closed. It’s as if someone turned off the lights in the entire city. Many people in Miami are from New York or visit Miami from New York. It’s known as the ‘sixth’ borough because it is very easy to get to by plane. It’s about 2, 3 hours away. Both cities have industries that are vital to the people that live there – restaurants, hotels, real estate and so, hearing about New York, everything shut down and we were told to stay home”, she said.
“I try not to worry and always try to stay positive. The only thing that does get to me is that we don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring or what you’re going to hear on the news. The only thing we can all do is take it day by day and hope for the best. The Greeks in Miami, they are strong, they are fighters and creative! Every day we’re seeing ways they are promoting their businesses and services within the community. Many may be worried and are sad that they won’t be able to see each other altogether for Easter, however they are also focused on how to survive”, she added.
Η Λώρα Νερούλια γεννήθηκε στη Νέα Υόρκη, αλλά μεγάλωσε και ζει στο Μαϊάμι Source: Supplied
