It's not goodbye it's see you later!

On the morning of the last day we spent in New Orleans my roommates and I cleaned up our hotel room and packed our suitcases. We walked out of the hotel and headed for the street car we had come accustomed to riding during our time spent here. We got off at Dumaine station so we could meet everyone at Cafe de Monde. While we were walking to the front of the cafe we saw the biggest pile of feces and Jessica proceeded to gag almost to the point of puking. We were all dying laughing at that point. That pretty much sums up the way this trip has gone, seeing something totally unexpected and laughing hysterically. I wish I would have thought quick enough to snap a picture of the scene because it was that hilarious. After talking with Colleen and receiving our final assignment we wondered off to Jackson Square and handed off our left over beignets to a homeless man on the way. This had become a norm for us to do with our leftovers during this trip. New Orleans has many homeless individuals but most are so kind and thankful for any deed you do. Throughout this trip I have liked pretty much every location or place we have visited but out of all I think my favorite would have to be Jackson Square. The things you see here range from the homeless sitting on the benches, tarot card readings, musicians performing and artists selling their work. You don't see the same things every day that you come so it literally is a surprise each time you walk through. It's amazing a city like this exists and law enforcement doesn't force these people out like I would expect in Peoria. I really love the array of people you find in Jackson Square and there is no judgment. One of the last days we were in New Orleans we were in Jackson Square and the weather was perfect. As we sat on the cathedral steps in the beautiful sun and listened to a local artist sing and play his guitar while his wife played the drums I thought to myself I could sit here forever and be content. I truly understand why so many people move here after visiting it. There is no place as unique as New Orleans. As I write this back in Peoria, I already miss this place. I'm not one to become attached to a place especially one so busy as New Orleans, but I can say I have fallen in love and cannot wait to go back. I have already told my family members they need to visit New Orleans and I already plan on taking my son who loves music and art. Even though this city isn't perfect or the cleanest place on earth I can't complain because the good by far out ways the bad. I have never been somewhere like New Orleans and recommend everyone visit it at least once because it truly changes your outlook on humanity. The way these people live and accept is a beautiful thing. It doesn't matter what you are trying to succeed at in New Orleans they are a community that supports one another.

My favorite part of the class would probably be going to the Presbytere. I never was truly impacted by Katrina even though I was in high school when it happened. When something major like that happens but it doesn't directly affect you I think people can distant it and not feel the pain. Going through that museum and seeing pictures of places we had walked by during the trip really shocked me. Honestly looking at New Orleans today you wouldn't necessarily know how much they were affected in 2005. This city is amazing at how much support they gave one another to rebuild such an amazing place. I am so thankful and humbled by the work they did because if they hadn't I may not have been able to come visit and see what an amazing place New Orleans is.

I honestly think my favorite part of the trip cannot be narrowed down to just one thing. All the tours and experiences we had aided in the love I now have for New Orleans. Some of the experiences we have I can say I would have never gotten if I would have taken this trip outside of school. I learned about their foods, music, history and other random but awesome things. I thought the pharmacy tour was awesome and so interesting. Especially from a nursing point of view. It also makes me really happy to live now and not back then. Ha. These people are so unique in every way. You have musicians, artists, etc and they all are here to follow their dreams be apart of something greater than just going through life everyday. They are amazing! Simply put. I didn't think I would be so affected by just a city and feel so much respect and love for it. New Orleans definitely did that for me and I cannot wait to come back. 

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Presbytere and Cabildo

Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in August 2005. It's amazing to see how far New Orleans has come in the rebuilding of their city. It's truly heart warming to learn how the members of this community came together for one another to help rebuild their home. 

Many people fled and could have stayed away but this is the home they love and wanted to come back and make it whole again. Of course during crisis like these people freak out and the worst come out in them when it's a do or die situation but overall I think most of the people from this place stood together strong. 

Of course first responders and healthcare workers played a huge role in helping these people. They were trapped in their homes and businesses for days surrounded by the flooding. First responders were here to help the sick and the injured as soon as they could. People from other cities came to help as well. Honestly, I feel like New Orleans handled the situation surrounding Katrina so well for all the devistation they went through. 

For such a big city they really came together to rebuild and support one another. Honestly, to see the stories about Hurricane Katrina was heart wrenching. This happened to 2005, I was in high school when this occurred. Of course I heard about all the devistation and what not but it doesn't impact you the same way as when it is happening to you or a loved one. Sure New Orleans is just a train ride down the Mississippi but it's far away when things like that happen.

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  When we went through the Cabildo after lunch I had fun playing with the interactive things like the drums, holding the different size canninbals and taking pictures in the little photo op stand. I read about Louisana's position in the Civil War and never realized they aided both the Union and Confederate sides during it. I found it interesting that they did this and they would treat and nurse the wounded soldiers back to life. I guess it's similar to the way they were with Hurricanr Katrina, they just come together to help one another no matter your beliefs or culture.
  

  

  
  

  
  

Bourbon Street

Friday night, Hallie, Jessica, Lacy, Brett, Ursula, Josette and I decided to go down to Bourbon Street to see what it was all about. We all met in Hallie, Jessica and my hotel room prior to heading down. After we finished getting ready for the night we headed for the streetcar at about 8:30 pm. When first walking onto the street itself there was so many people, some drunk some not. The first thing I noticed about Bourbon Street was the smell. It’s a very specific smell of vomit and urine. The second thing that caught my eye was the policeman on horse standing in the street. We ended up talking to a couple Louisiana State troopers about Bourbon Street and about where we were from. It was funny because we mentioned that we wanted to drive to the lower 9^th Ward the following day to check it out and they asked why. When we mentioned that we realized it was not a great place and we might get mugged the one trooper said “Yeah that’s on a good day, more like you’ll get shot up.” So thanks to the lovely Louisiana State Troopers we decided against visiting the 9^th Ward. They recommended a couple places we should check out while we were in New Orleans and places to avoid. All in all Bourbon Street was pretty much like I expected it to be from what I have heard and I am glad I was able to see it while I was in New Orleans.

Girls Night In

 

On Thursday night Hallie, Jessica, and I decided to have a girls night in. We had an early night because from class things and decided against staying out in the French Quarter. We had noticed a menu that had been shoved under our hotel door earlier in the day and decided we should order dinner in from there. The resturant we had our dinner delivered from was called Pizza Gusto. They had things from pizza to pasta and even cake. Hallie decided to get the BBQ chicken pizza while Jessica got ham and mushroom pizza. I on the other hand decided to order the chicken alfredo. The alfredo was good but it sure wasn't Olive Garden good. Since we spent over $25 we got a free piece of chocolate cake that tasted ok. Once our food arrived we state pow wow style on the floor and ate together. The rest of the night we just hung out and discussed what we should do on our free day. We also did some blogging and had a nice relaxing night to rest our tired feet.

Villalobos Adventure

Villalobos Rescue Center

On Saturday Hallie, Jessica, Loretta and myself made a short trip via taxi to the upper 9^th Ward in New Orleans to visit Villalobos Rescue Center. We waited in line to take the tour through the center and see the dogs. When getting out of our taxi at the location the first thing you see is a fence full of beads, and other random things hanging. While waiting in line, the employees brought out Rhino one of the pit-bull soften seen on the show Pit bulls and Paroles.

 He was such a big sweet boy and loved everyone paying attention to him/petting him. Once we were able to enter the facility there is a large number of hand built kennels for each dog. Our tour guide, Joey would tell us a little bit about each of the dogs in the kennels. Many of the kennels had little notes about each dog. Things like, cannot have blankets, or cannot have soft toys were written on the papers to remind those taking care of the dogs of their needs. Each dog had a very unique name given to him or her. There were names like Mr. Nibbles for a tiny pup that liked to nibble on your fingers when you tried to pet him. Another was named Dennis the Mennis and he was such a sweet boy too. It’s heart breaking to see all these animals without a home but what these individuals are doing at Villalobos Rescue Center is a really great thing not only for the pups but for the paroles.

Excursions

Hansen’s Disease Museum

            We loaded the vans and navigated our way to Carville to visit the Hansen’s Disease Museum. When we first arrived to the location, we were stopped at a gate that was guarded by military personnel. The scenery around the location reminded me a lot of Illinois. There were rolling planes as far as the eye could see and factory type buildings much like what I am used to near my house. The air was very fresh smelling because of all the openness and being away from the big city. Before this trip and watching the video about Leprosy I did not realize individuals still could become infected with this disease. I always thought it was like earlier diseases that were cured with vaccines. I was really surprised to learn that some of the patients were still living there up until just a few months ago. Some of the experiments they tried on the patients to cure the leprosy are surprising such as fever inducing tests. The tour guide informed us they would put the patients temperature as high as 106 degree Fahrenheit in hopes of treating the leprosy and that patients were willing in the hopes of curing this disease. It’s really sad that these individuals had to live this way because so many people feared infection. It sounds like it was somewhat restrictive especially those who met and fell in love and were not allowed to marry until later in the 50s. I was also sad to hear that if a child was born to those within Carville they would remove the baby from the parents. I think it is a very interesting museum and it is an important part of our history and that we as individuals need to learn these things so we can be informed. I think it is definitely a great idea for those entering into the medical field because one day they may have a patient with this infection even though it is rare. I think the most important lesson we can learn from these individuals who had this disease is not to let fear turn us against one another. People sent these individuals away and turned them away because of the fear they had regarding this infection.

Whitney Plantation

            After we left Carville, we headed to the Whitney Plantation in Wallace. When we first walked into the front building I noticed a large wall with tons of colored post it notes with little notes from people who had visited the plantation. Next we were handed lanyards to wear that had little pictures of children and their stories on the back. I was handed a lanyard with the name Hannah Kelly. It gave a little background on her; she was a ten-year-old girl and worked in the house of the plantation owners. She nursed their children. We followed a tour guide through the plantation, the first stop being a chapel where we watched a video about the plantation and slavery life. Then we moved onto fields of memorials of slaves and the little information hey had on them. We were also able to see the slave housing, the masters home, the outdoor kitchen and the garden of angels. Reading the stories and hearing about what these individuals went through was heart breaking. We learned that little girls from the age of 10-years-old and up were sold as high prices because they were considered “breeders”, meaning they could start reproducing at that age. It is really sad that these humans were treated as property and nothing more. They were treated as equals but only help essentially. I think people should come to this plantation because it is very educational. It doesn’t shove the concept of slavery down your throat but focuses more on the aspect of educating individuals on the history of plantations. I think this experience shows how far we have come as a nation and the strides civil rights have made, but know there is still a long way to go.

St. Louis Cathedral Concert

           

 Day three in New Orleans we attended a concert at the St. Louis cathedral. It was performed by Lena Prima, daughter of the late Louis Prima. The show was Christmas New Orleans Style. She performed a number of the general Christmas songs as well as some of the Christmas songs her father wrote during his life. While I am not personally a big fan of Christmas music what so ever, I do have to admit she sang the songs beautifully. I do think that the more jazzy Christmas songs were y favorite because the typical Christmas songs are so overplayed on the radios during the holidays. Not only was her voice lovely but the cathedral was absolutely gorgeous. All the detail in the murals on the ceiling was stunning and eye catching. I would personally love to lay down in the middle of the cathedral floor and just stare up at the ceiling for some time and enjoy the detailed work. I was amazed at the turnout of people that attended the concert. Overall, I enjoyed the concert and can now say that I heard live Christmas jazz and the famous Louis Prima’s daughter sings.

Art on Royal

While walking down Royal St. we stumbled upon Sutton Galleries. In the front window a beautiful painting of a tree painted by Isabelle Dupuy. Isabelle was born in France. She is inspired by her favorite artists Claude Monet and Van Gogh.  Her artwork is of nature and landscapes. They are full of beautiful color and textures. Each photo in the gallery attracts the eye because they are so beautifully colored. When you step closer to the paintings you realize how textured they are. She builds the paint up so much that it gives it a 3D appearance. I enjoy her paintings because of the bright colors and the paintings are of nature.  They are simple yet so unique and magnificent.  Her paintings have a very bright and cheerful feel to them. They seem very feminine to me because of the beauty they contain. Especially the ones of flowers. I think I was most drawn to the gallery at first because the first painting I saw was of a tree in the fall time. It had all the rich warm colors of fall and it was intriguing because of the obvious texture it had. This painting makes me think of freedom and peacefulness because of the beautiful open fields and woods in the paintings. It reminds me of the history of New Orleans and the slaves and the freedom and peace they yearned for.

Music & Medicine

Almost every street has some type of performance happening. I couldn’t tell you what types I have heard specifically because I don’t know how the artists define themselves that I have seen on the street. Many of the performer’s have had guitars, some type of drums, violins etc. I have also seen a pair of people performing. One on the guitar while the other sings. I have heard a variety of songs, some I believe to be the performers original songs. We also went to Frenchmen St. and were able to hear some jazz and blues while we were there. Music is important to New Orleans because it brings people together and it helps them connect with their ancestors. Music connects the younger generations with the older generations. The mixing of many different ethnicities’ and their music has combined to make things like jazz. The music from New Orleans has affected music in general such as rock n roll and others. I think it is beautiful the way these individuals from New Orleans can come out to the streets and perform their music completely free of judgment and get respect for their talent. Things like this don’t happen in any other places that I know of especially Peoria, IL.

            Treme was the first place free slaves were able to buy and own property. This was during a time when this was not happening in other parts of America. Treme has celebrations like second-line parades and jazz funerals. I thought it was interesting out tour guide grew up in Treme because he was sharing a part of his history and where he came from.

            The Pharmacy museum was pretty cool and Own was very knowledgeable on his information regarding 19^th century medicine.  Not only was his very informed but he was also very charismatic. I was a shockingly surprised by many of the things he told us. Like the women in the 19^th century and all the narcotics used to “treat” them of their womanly woes.  I learned a lot about the city, especially the fact they believed in the air containing something that caused the people to get sick and that they must clean the air to rid of it.  They really had no clue what they were doing when it came to medicine so it seems. They used lead, heroine, and other things like cocaine in their medicines, which is a terrible idea.

Death, Food and Music

I learned some interesting things today in the two tours we participated in. The first tour of St. Louis cemetery #1/the French Quarter was interesting in the fact that I was able to see their cemeteries and how unique they are. Obviously Peoria does not have cemeteries like that because we don’t have to worry about water causing the bodies to float up and out. What I have learned the most about the city thus far is how much history it truly has. Sure every city has history but this city seems to really focus their present and future upon that history. They speak for their ancestors.  I was also able to learn more about the city through the cuisine tour we took. We learned all about creole foods and a little bit about the background of Cajun foods as well.

The city spoke to me through the tours we took and the food I was able to try. Even though I did not like all the foods I still respect the history of those foods and how they came to be. I am from the Midwest and eat certain things that maybe some people from here would find to be disgusting but that’s just because we come from different cultures. Out of all the foods we tried my favorites were the beef brisket with horseradish sauce, gelato and the muffaletta. At the end of our 12 hour day, we walked around Frenchmen St. to listen to some music for a short time but then all of us and our feet were at our breaking point and it was time to head back to the hotel.

 I was so surprised by all the dresses Germaine Wells the Mardi Gras queen had. They were so elaborate. I was also surprised to here how many people come to New Orleans and end up moving here after visiting just a couple times because they fall in love with it. I can understand because it is definitely a unique environment.

My preconceptions for the city were definitely spot on. It is exactly how I thought it would be, maybe more. It seems like it never quits there is always somewhere or something to be doing. The vast variety of people in the city is amazing also. The cemeteries and the French quarter are absolutely stunning just like I thought it would be. I would love to how a house with as much personality as the buildings in the French Quarter. 

Now to relax and hope that my feet will recover for tomorrow after all the walking that happened today. Never have I been out in a city and walked around for 12 hours straight. My feet hate me and I just hope I am capable of walking tomorrow for another long day planned. Fingers crossed!

Arriving in New Orleans

Upon arriving into Louisiana and getting closer to our destination. I began to notice water all around. At this point I was getting pretty excited because we were almost to New Orleans.  Next thing I knew we were rolling by the Super Dome. After that we pulled into New Orleans train station and slowly began our departure off the train. Once we gathered our belongings we made our way into the actual train station which was pretty good size. The opposite wall had beautiful artwork. Myself and four other girls decided we would split a taxi to the hotel because our bags were to heavy and we were not in the mood to walk to the hotel from the bus station. We were glad we did once we got there so quickly and were able to get our showers started so we would be ready to meet the group at 4:45. The hotel is pretty nice, it has a large breakfast lounge area. It is somewhat confusing when you first get on the floor because there are so many different directions but really its just a big square. It seems to be pretty clean and it is well decorated. The interior is very pretty and well put together. The street car was very foreign to me because I have never used public transportation. It was nice because it got us to our destination really quickly and was easy to get on and off. The French Quarter was absolutely beautiful. I love the way all the buildings are designed. I have never seen anything like it in all my life. I am a person who loves old houses for their uniqueness and personality. Therefore, the buildings in the French Quarter are right up my alley. I love the character they have.  We went to Original Pierre Maspero’s for dinner. It was once again a beautiful building that was beautiful inside as well. The waitress was great and had a very tenacious personality. She did her job well and made sure to take care of all of us. I have an adult beverage called a Pink Lady. It was vodka, strawberry and lemonade and it was delicious. Hallie and I split dinner because neither one of us was extremely hungry. We ordered the hamburger that came with fries. The burger was delicious and so were the fries. I then had a bite of Jess’s cheesecake that was also delicious.  All the food and drinks tasted so good. The last thing we did in the day was the ghost tour. It was not what I was expecting at all and was surprised by it. I enjoyed it but also took it with a grain of salt because when I heard one of the other tour guides that went by us talking about the same building we were at, they were hearing a completely different tale. None the less I truly enjoyed the ghost tour and learned about some interesting ghost tales and was excited to see Madame LaLaurie house because I am a big fan of American Horror Story.

Depature

I have been on a Peoria Charter bus two other times in my life. Each time to Six Flags in St. Louis.  Those buses were comfortable even with a three hour trip to St. Louis with no problems. Nothing could have prepared me for the bus we took from the Peoria terminal to Champaign. Not only did the driver of the bus act like she was surprised there were so many of us getting on the bus. Not only that, the bus did not have any heat and the air was blowing. My fingers were numb about 10 minutes into the ride. I mentioned most of this in my previous blog from last night. The train was a much different experience. We had time to sit at the train station and eat some pizza before it arrived. Then once it was arriving we gathered up our belongings and went to the platform to meet it. We were able to easily board the train and they had almost a full car empty for us with a section reserved just for us. Sleeping on the train was a whole other experience. I did not sleep good because I couldn’t find a comfortable position and every time it would start to bounce or shake to much it would startle me awake. Eating on the train was not bad because we broke quite a bit of snacks to nibble on. Items being sold on the train were a little bit pricey but they tasted ok. The people on the train weren’t anything terrible to deal with. No one really bothered me or said much otherwise. Everyone pretty much kept to themselves. All in all the bus was definitely the worst of the two experiences while the train was the best.

Frozen

            Upon preparing to leave the college to embark on our journey to catch our Peoria Charter bus we worked to load everyone’s suitcases and bags into the school buses. We took the 5-minute ride over to the bus station. While waiting for what seemed like 3 hours we witnessed a potentially intoxicated man go down outside the terminal and the ambulance arrive to assist. What seemed like 5 hours later the Peoria Charter bus arrived and the driver seemed surprised at the amount of students that were patiently waiting to aboard her bus. After Jess played Tetris with out luggage trying to make it all fit in the undercarriage we stepped upon the coldest bun known to mankind. This bus ride was probably the coldest bus ride I have ever experienced as well as a little frightening because the drivers windshield began to freeze over. Therefore, she could not see and was swerving all over the interstate until she was forced to pull over on the side of the road. After that one of our fellow students went to the front to help wipe the windshield down every time it was frosted over. Finally around 9ish we arrived at the Amtrak terminal and were welcomed with heat and real bathrooms. I survived potential hypothermia and a near death experience.

Preparation

Preparing for this trip has been mostly pushed off until this week. I prepared for the class by purchasing the appropriate books that were on the book list. I have also been posting the weekly blogs thus far. I began doing research for our topic after I finished my last final on Tuesday.  I have learned some interesting information regarding the musical culture in New Orleans while doing research and look forward to putting together our blog. I feel unprepared for the train trip since I have never been on a train before and I am unsure of what all I will need. I do have a neck pillow that I planned on using but am contemplating or whether or not I should just bring a regular pillow. I have suitcases at home that I plan on using that fit the size requirements. I also have the luggage tags and locks. I also have plans for buying some snacks for the train since we will be on there for such a long period of time. One of the snacks I plan on getting are the Fiji apple and blueberry clusters that CVS sells. They are really tasty. I have made arrangements for while I am gone since I do have a seven year old who obviously will need to be taken care of. In between his dad, my parents and my sister, they will all work together to make sure he gets on and off the bus for school everyday and has his antibiotics because he was just diagnosed with strep throat yesterday. I will only be missing one day of work since I only work PRN every Saturday. I already had this taken care of way in advance as soon as I found out I was going on this trip. Some purchases I have made for this trip thus far are clothing; a new pair of sunglasses and a cute cross body bag I can carry while we are out in the city.  As far as packing goes, I have yet to do that. I am waiting until Sunday night to pack for the trip that way I will have done my laundry and have all the clothing items I would like to bring with me. I will most likely make a list of the things I want to bring on the trip so that I will not forget anything important (fingers crossed).  I plan on bringing a lot of comfortable clothes, a couple pairs of shoes, and of course the necessities (toiletries, makeup, & medicine). I am sure I will forget something important because I am so scattered brained half the time.

Expectations

I am most excited for this course out of all the courses I have taken. Mostly because I get to travel and see an amazing city. Not only will I be doing a lot of a travel blogging but I will always have those blogs to look back on and remind me of this time in my life. Who knows if I will ever get another chance to visit New Orleans, especially since I am going with a couple of my best nursing school friends. Being in the city and exploring is going to make learning about New Orleans completely different then if I were to just read about it in a text book. I think the best way to learn is to go out and experience things and that is exactly what I will be able to do in this course. As departure day gets closer and closer all I can do is think about how the trip will be. I honestly can say I am extremely nervous, not just for the train ride but leaving my seven-year-old son behind. I am nervous for the train ride because I have never been on a train. I don’t know what to expect and I am a little anxious that the rocking of the train might make me feel sick. Then again, that’s just me, the over thinker/ hypochondriac. Mostly, I think this trip is going to be a once in a life-time experience. I have never been to Louisiana and I am super excited to see everything. I am really excited to see the cemeteries in New Orleans as weird as that sounds. I think so they are so fascinating the way the graves are in above ground tombs. I think the cemeteries are beautiful at least from the pictures I have seen.

      When I was sitting in Humanities 301 last semester and Colleen mentioned this course I immediately knew I wanted to be able to experience this class. Not only for the amazing opportunity to travel to New Orleans of all places but also have the unique experience of a travel course while I am in nursing school. I do not know any other nursing students that have been able to do a travel course through their nursing college. I feel we are extremely lucky at Methodist to have these opportunities. I had my son at a young age therefore never have been able to take any vacations without him. Granted, I haven’t taken many vacations in my life period. So, I knew I had to take this opportunity to travel somewhere fun, without my child and with friends. Not only am I getting to go somewhere awesome but I am also gaining credit hours toward my nursing school career. I am anxious to learn about the culture in New Orleans because it is so diverse and different from Illinois. The food intrigues me and frightens me just a little. I am excited to try the different foods and see if I like it.

I am most looking forward to the experience of this trip. It is a trip full of new things for me. Riding a train for the first time, going to a very unique city that I have never stepped foot in, riding a street car, trying foods that are foreign to me and lastly spending time with other people who have the same calling as me, nursing. I am also looking forward to somewhat taking a break away from nursing school and Illinois. Being away from all the stresses that those things bring with them and getting to spend a week in another place and appreciate the life I have.

           

Urban Expectations

Having only traveled outside of Illinois a handful of times to places like St. Louis, MO, Clearwater, FL, Atlantic City, NJ and Baltimore, MD I haven’t really ever experienced big urban cities. The only place I saw while in St. Louis was Six Flags. In Florida, I saw the condo and the beach. In Atlantic City I saw the pier and the resort. In Maryland, I saw my sister’s house and the beach. Never have I really been able to explore these foreign cities thoroughly. Living close to Chicago, I have been there a couple times to enjoy some shopping, I was able to walk around downtown Chicago and take in all the forever tall buildings, I imagine most big cities to be like this. I think of tons of people walking around in a hurry to get somewhere and crowded streets full of cars. From the people I have seen in the cities I have been, I picture most of them to be career individuals walking around to get to work or tourists like myself since most of the time it is summer when I have been to these places. Of course, living in Peoria, IL my entire life I have always thought other states and their cities too be more exciting than my own. Therefore, I imagine these places to be full of life, entertainment and excitement. I feel like other cities constantly have something fun to do. I almost feel like I cannot even think about what New Orleans might be like because it is so different than my own home. I can only get a slight idea from what I have heard or seen in pictures or shows. I feel like there is music constantly playing all the time in the city, and I think of alligators for whatever reason, probably because I have watched the show Swamp People to many times. Another thing that pops into my head when I hear New Orleans is voodoo. I guess I contribute Voodoo with New Orleans because all the movies I have ever watched that discussed Louisiana had some type of Voodoo scene. Movies like the Skeleton Key, The Princess and the Frog etc. I also think of food like Jambalaya, Gumbo and beignets probably mostly from what I saw in The Princess and the Frog. In the end, I feel like New Orleans is going to be an exciting new city to visit and there is a lot I will learn from my trip there!