When temperatures drop, New Yorkers who work outside all day have no choice but to bundle up, get cracking and daydream about the spring.
The temperature Thursday morning, just before 10, was about 18 degrees, but a brisk wind made it feel closer to five below.
Anthony Diaz, 30, was about an hour into his day selling bus tour tickets on the corner of Broadway and Bowling Green.
“We’re like warriors,” Diaz said. “If things are functioning and running, we’re out here. I’m not afraid of the cold at all.”
Diaz, who has been working outside for about three years, said he knows how to dress to stay warm, and takes a break about every hour to warm up or grab a coffee.
“Today I have on Under Armour, pajama pants, sweatpants, sweatpants, a pair of jeans, two pairs of socks, three layer boots, two hoodies, two t-shirts, three thermals, one sweatshirt, one wifebeater and a spandex shirt on the bottom,” Diaz said. “I’m pretty warm.” Boris Kaziyev, who was selling hot dogs, shish kebab and coffee from the comparative luxury of inside a food cart, said he just needs to wear two pairs of pants to stay warm on freezing days.
“I like the hot days but I need to work,” said the 10-year street cart veteran, who works five days a week.
Anthony Phillips, who stood gloveless outside the Bowling Green station directing tourists to the Statue of Liberty said it was his first winter on the job.
“I’m layered up, I got on two pairs of long johns, two pairs of pants, gloves and hat and I come out,” Phillips said. “I don’t leave until the last boat leaves at 4 o’clock.”
Phillips, 58, said he’s thankful for the work, because he used to be homeless and made his money panhandling on the trains.
“This is great excitement, I like this,” Phillips said. “I dont want to do that (panhandle) anymore, when you can make an honest dollar.”