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!