You're reading: New York Times: Europe resurfaces to find odd mix of the familiar and the alien

New York Times: Europe resurfaces to find odd mix of the familiar and the alien

Published June 13, 2020. Updated June 13 at 5:39 am

Beauticians wearing face masks and acrylic shields trim the nails of customers at a beauty salon in Lisbon on May 4, 2020, as millions of Europeans emerged with relief from coronavirus confinement.

Photo by AFP

Europe is emerging from a monthslong lockdown. But the universe in which Europeans are resurfacing is neither the reality they knew, nor an entirely new one. Cafe chairs are back on the sidewalks, but the baristas are wearing masks. The chefs have returned to the kitchens, but the diners are divided by plexiglass.