This was a weird week. 

Soldiers standing between two military vehicles outside of Criminal Court

On the one hand, we had armed soldiers stationed in Frog Hollow and Downtown. 

Despite what some folks might believe, it actually is not routine to see people walking around in Hartford with guns displayed. 

Woman with camera looking over her shoulder at me

On the other hand, because of the pandemic, it was noticeably different around cultural institutions like the Wadsworth, which usually hold very popular events inspired by MLK Day. 

Again, not a ghost town– just quieter than what we would experience during a normal January. 

People walking by Smokey's

Still, I did not need to do anything special or go out of my way to find people out and about, doing their thing. 

Man walking next to a grocery store

You know, normal stuff. Going to the grocery store. Walking to and from the bus. Sitting on benches and at picnic tables. Leaving church. Taking the dog around the block. 

Man walking by Pepe's Furniture

For anyone who might be curious, I’ve intentionally not been going out at lunch or rush hour to get these photos. 

Woman walking by the water fountain in front of City Hall

 

People walking along Park Street

 

Man walking on median

 

Man sitting at picnic table in community garden

 

People standing by bus stop

 

Three people standing on Connecticut State Library steps across from the State Capitol

 

Men walking the cutest little dog, like a Yorkshire Terrier or something similar

 

Person walking out of a church

 

Women walking near buses

 

Man riding bicycle on sidewalk

 

Employee walking into grocery store

 

Person walking through parking lot

 

People waiting for buses

 

Woman sitting on bench

 

Man walking dog