and social unrest cancelling previous years. china s capital signalled towards 2022 by showing off to the world paralympic tower ahead of the winter games in february. then came moscow s moment. its pristine red square deserted, closed off to the public amid 0micron concerns. athens ancient parthenon stood three times, other pandemic. the city s restaurant and bars low allowed to open with no standing or musing and a 2am curfew. large, lively crowds in madrid s water del sol square, the spanish capital s version of times square, as they prepared to party. closely