Sunday in Central Park has an exceptional atmosphere. Instead of speed-walking on the busy streets, people saunter their way through the tree-lined walkways, not feeling like they have to keep up with anyone else. There is a sense of presence and stillness. It seems that the world is turning a little slower.

As I walked around the Park, I noticed the distant sound of laughter and banter coming from the top of a boulder I was passing by. I glanced slightly up and saw two girls sitting atop the stone playing cards together, giggling and amused by their game.

Rebecca and Monica moved to New York City just six months ago from Italy. They came to New York for school and to better their English. Although we had a bit of a language barrier, I could connect with them about their love for the Park. Monica enjoys the serenity of the Park the most, “I like the park because it is quiet, you can hear the breeze and the trees moving, and you can hear the birds sing. It is very relaxing.” Rebecca added, “Yes, me too. I also like the Park because it reminds me of the movies. When you watch American movies, the stars always seem to be in the Park.”

After reminiscing about our favorite movies in Central Park, the girls told me they come and play cards every weekend on the boulder, “We play this Italian card game for hours; it is so fun.” They both were giddy and shared their adoration for New York and how they are excited to continue to learn and grow in such a big city, “We really like it here!”

The thing that stood out to me the most from my interaction with Rebecca and Monica was that there was no phone in sight- a rarity nowadays. They were immersed in the cards and truly in the moment with each other. It was pure and playful. It made me smile to see and inspired me to go back to the basics myself and put away my phone for the next hour as I strolled along in the Park.