Appreciating the New Orleans Experience

When going through my photos of my trip to New Orleans, it puts me back to when I was standing on Lousiana soil taking in all of the luxurious sites and pleasant smells of coffee and beignets. I already miss the busy streets and Christmas lights at night. I would enjoy experiencing New Orleans again as an independent explorer. There were so many positive ideas of New Orleans that I took home with me, the love the people of New Orleans have for eachother, and the feeling of spiritual and physical freedom. What I experienced in New Orleans is much different than any other type of experience I've had. I experienced how many people in the world do not have food, water, or shelter. I experienced what eating gellato at a real Italian restaurant was like. I was able to experience the ghost tour that constantly left me with goose bumps. Overall, the experience was great and I can't wait to go back experience it all again. These are some of the photos I took randomly while roaming New Orleans.

(Picture taken of a little restaurant)

(Picture taken of the Pharmacy Museum)

(Picture taken of a building on the Music tour)

(Picture taken at the Whitney Plantation)

(Picture taken during the ghost tour)

(Picture taken on free day)

(Picture taken on ghost tour)

(Picture taken on ghost tour)

(Picture taken during music tour)

(Photo taken on music tour)

(Photo taken on music tour)

(One of The Voodoo Queen's tombstones picture taken during cemetery tour)

(Picture taken of the Cathedral)

(Beignets!)

(Picture of haunted home taken on ghost tour)

(Picture taken while walking around the city)

(Picture taken on free day)

(Picture taken before taking the street car for the first time with Hannah Pendell)

Expanding on Art in New Orleans

One of my favorite parts of New Orleans was their amazing art galleries. I loved the art galleries so much that I wanted to expand further on what I have seen. When going into the first art gallery, it had art pieces very spread out. You could view several art pieces by one artist and see several other pieces by another artist. One of the most memorable pieces was that of the building at Royal and St. Peter Street. I stood and looked at this picture for at least 2-3 minutes and returned to look at it again. This piece by James Hussey. I previously wrote about this piece and I wanted to write about another piece I enjoyed viewing by Lisa Corbiere. One of the men that worked at the art gallery Rue Toulouse informed me that Corbiere is from Finland and has many pieces that look similar but are very different. Corbiere's piece sets the scene for a day at the beach gazing at the ocean as boats going by. It made me feel as if I was laying on the warm beach enjoying vacation. The way art made me feel was very surprising. If I wouldn't have went to New Orleans, I may have never experienced art that really makes me day dream and think.

(Favorite piece by James Hussey)

(Piece by Lisa Corbiere)

(Another piece by Lisa Corbiere)

(Art piece in PJ's coffee by Frenchy)

Farewell NOLA! See you soon.

• There are many places I enjoyed visiting. Today, we returned to our favorite place to eat called "La Davina." I will definitely miss eating delicious rootbeer gelato. This restaurant allowed me to see the type of cuisine Italian people eat while enjoying it. I have already made plans to come back this summer to enjoy the city with my fiancé  and teach him everything I have learned since being in New Orleans. He has yet to see what all Louisiana has to offer. After falling in love with the French Quarter and all of the sites in New Orleans, I would easily recommend this trip for others to experience. I thoroughly felt like a part of me was left in New Orleans in order to return. Many would be amazed by the amount of freedom the citizens of NOLA have and their care free attitudes towards their everyday lives. It was delightful to watch the mini concerts and side shows in front of the Cathedral. Describing NOLA in only a few words would be very difficult, but the easiest way to describe it would be that it is wonderfully historic, lovely to visit, and eventful no matter what you're doing. I learned many things about myself throughout the trip. I learned that I have this drive to travel and see the world. The thought of traveling far from home used to frighten me, this trip has opened up the possibility of future adventures. I learned so much during the trip and can't wait to return home to tell my family about my experience. My favorite part of the class was blogging on my phone as we visited sites and landmarks. I felt like a real explorer being able to snap photos and share them with other members of the class.  My favorite part of the trip was the ghost tour by far. This was my favorite, because I love to hear about hauntings and the stories behind them. I have a strong belief in what is not seen by everyone. It's is interesting to learn about what is lingering in the shadows as you walk the streets of New Orleans.  By participating in all of the tours, I have learned a lot about the people of New Orleans. The people here are care free and the city allows them to be. I said many times throughout the trip how amazingly free the citizens of NOLA live their lives.
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(Drawing on the board inside of La Divina)

(Delicious baked goods in restaurant)

(One scoop of Rootbeer Gelato Please!)

Rootbeer gelato was one of the samples I tried during the cuisine tour. I decided to come back for seconds! 

Expanding on the Cabildo

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Cabildo building and wanted to write more about the experience I had. I felt that this museum was the most interesting to me due to its contents regarding healthcare and the history of New Orleans.  The paintings hung on the walls were of historic people we have learned about throughout the trip. It was amazing to me to see Marie Laveau in a portrait on the wall and being able to connect it with the cemetery tour we had previously. The description next to the picture states that they are not sure if the image is an accurate picture of Marie, but they are pretty sure it is. The art piece of Micaela Pontalba finally put a face to the name of the woman that built the oldest apartments and was known for living after being shot multiple times. Upstairs of the Cabildo, there was a surgeons chest owned by a surgeon of New Orleans during the American Civil War. This surgeon focused mainly on post mortem dissection and this chest had many instruments to perform this act. It was neat to me to see the chest and think about how different it was for surgeons at that time, and what it was possibly like for nurses. Postmortem dissection is commonly referred to an autopsy today, is usually performed by a coroner. I wish I could have met the surgeon that this chest belonged to, so than I could ask about his experiences with dissection.

(Portrait of Micaela Almonster dr Pontalba at the Cabildo)

(Photo taken at the Cabildo)

(Hannah and I enjoying our time at the museum)

Visiting the Presbytere and the Cabildo

• There are many sites to see around the French Quarter, one being the Presbytere. Visiting the Presbytere today really opened my mind to what the Louisiana people went through when Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Betsy occurred. Many people had their lives taken by these horrendous hurricanes and lost most of their valuables. Viewing this museum helped me to realize how the people of New Orleans responded to these crisis'. It seemed as if the citizens of NOLA became almost like family and helped one another survive. The New Orleans and Lousiana citizens' sense of responsibility for others warmed my heart. How they cared for one another made me think differently about disasters and the people involved in disasters. The people of New Orleans and the rest of Lousiana, were overwhelmed by the damage the Hurricanes caused but began to deal with the disaster using what survival skills they had previously developed. Although, there were many good responses by the Lousiana people, their were also bad responses.  Many citizens of NOLA knew that the storm was coming and could evacuate but chose not to leave the area and suffered great losses. Many that wanted to evacuate had no where to go and suffered because of it. 
• My favorite part of this museum was understanding what first responders and other healthcare professionals did for these people of NOLA. They helped clean up city streets, homes, buildings, fed the people affected, and aided in the psychological and mental healing of of the citizens. My reaction to the stories of Katrina made me very upset and at times amazed. I was upset to hear that many people died and many were injured. I experienced amazement when I viewed the churches and homes completely demolished and the bagged and bottled diet the city provided for the citizens.
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• The Cabildo
• The Cabildo told more than one interesting story.  It told about the Pontalba couple and how Mrs. Pontalba did not enjoy Mr. Pontalba very much. The portrait explained how Micaela Almonster dr Pontalba of New Orleans built the oldest apartment buildings in NOLA. My reaction to how determined this woman was, was surprised. During the 19th century, many women did not want to branch out and be their own person. Micaela took her fathers money and turned it into many beautiful buildings. This taught me how different the people of New Orleans have been even since her time. Freedom and independence seems prominent in this area of the world.

(Picture taken at the Presbytere) 

(Mardi Gras outfit from Presbytere)

The museum also had a second floor that was full of Mardi Gras outfits, float materials, and masks. It was neat to see how extravagant people made their Mardi Gras attire.

(Another Mardi Gras outfit)

Exploring NOLA On Our Own

As Alexis, Hannah, and I began our voyage of NOLA on our own, we stopped at a coffee shop called "PJ's coffee." This establishment's coffee puts other coffee places to shame. After getting out caffeine fix, we ventured to a restaurant called "New Orleans Seafood and Hamburger Co." At this location we enjoyed gumbo and cheeseburgers, while appreciating each other's company. After eating lunch, we walked around the French Quarter and shopped at ornament shops and clothing stores. It was a lot of fun to site see on our own as persons new to this area. As we walked down the many streets in the French Quarter, we often stopped to watch the attractions taking place on the edges of the roads and sometimes the sidewalks. There were many talented musicians and actors that focused on entertaining bystanders. 

(Picture taken at a small boutique)

(Picture taken looking out H&M clothing store's front window)

(Enjoying food at the New Orleans Seafood and Hamburger Co.)

(Gumbo eaten at the restaurant)

Reflection of the Plantation Tour and Slavery

I enjoyed visiting the Whitney Plantation and I decided to elaborate more on my feelings toward what was happening on plantations. Understanding the hurt and sorrow many slaves in the plantation endured makes my heart feel sad for all the men, women, and children slaves that had no say over what they did on the Whitney Plantation. It is saddening to hear about the pain slaves endured when living as a slave. It is hard to visualize slaves being punished by there owners. Slave quarters lining the yard paint the picture of how living with many people in a small area would look like. When visiting the former plantation owner's home, the ceiling in the upstairs entertainment area is painted by an Italian artist's artwork. I could have stood there and studied the art for hours. This is experience is one I will never forget.

(Taken at the Whitney Plantation)

(Picture from the wall of the enslaved)

(Picture of the slave wall)

Hansen's Disease and Slavery

My senses encountered vibes of negativity and hurt from the grounds of the Whitney Plantation. I hear the wind brushing against the trees and bushes. When hearing the terrible things that occurred there, I learned how much I truly care about slavery. This time in US history that allowed slavery made me feel differently about humanity and our day to day lives. Humanity in my eyes, it is supposed to be about caring for one another and loving one another. The acts that took place when the plantation was in order, did not line up with my ideas of humanity. Culture ties into what was learned today, because the enslaved Africans had their own culture while Caucasians that were involved with the enslaved had their own culture. Both cultures  believe deeply in what makes them happy and what makes their souls at peace. Other travelers who are hungry for adventure should visit both the Whitney Plantation and The Hansen's Disease Museum. I recommend both locations to people that want to experience what it was like to be segregated and mistreated by others. The entire experience was very positive and taught me a single lesson. Do not take life for granted and realize that many do not have it as good as you do. 

(Photo taken in Leprosy Museum of a wheelchair float)

(Picture taken of an art piece in a bedroom set up at the museum)

(Passage ways for previous residents to go from building to building)

Pharmacy Museum

My excitement prior to going to the pharmacy museum was uncontainable. Learning about the 19th century healthcare practices paints a picture of the type of life many citizens in NOLA live. The streets of New Orleans are not full of malaria and yellow fever and is full of lively citizens and visitors. The knowledgable man from the pharmacy museum knew more than the average  Joe about barbers, physicians, and dentists. The most exciting part of visiting the pharmacy museum was the upstairs portion of the building. I enjoy learning about child birthing and their was a room designated to educating visitors on the “birthing room” of the building. Forceps lie in the glass covered box next to the bed they have set up upstair. It is difficult for me to fathom that forceps are still used today to birth children. While wondering further through the building, I walk down the stairs and outside to the courtyard. The courtyard is lined with plants and a beautiful waterfall subsides in the background. Other students talking to one another on the side walk leading to the waterfall gossiping about the incredible information the brilliant man from the museum shared with all of us.  

Art in New Orleans

When walking down Royal street, I picked an art gallery randomly to view its contents. I never expected that I would absolutely love looking at the art. The piece that stood out to me was named “Desire in the Quarter.” I spoke to the man in charge of the Rue Toulouse art gallery and he told me that James Hussey painted this picture. He informed me that he is still living today and born in what he believed to be 1931. He spoke about how James Hussey enjoyed painting pictures of the french quarter that can run up to more than 20,000 dollars. This artist’s piece spoke me right away by capturing a picture of so a place I stood during my short time here in NOLA. I remember seeing the building and appreciating the beautiful iron work surrounding the building. This tells the story of someone like me that is seeing this building for the first time and wanting to go back to view it again. I like the story it tells, because I can relate to it directly and feel what the picture is saying. This artist’s work draws my attention with his accuracy and brilliant colors. I would enjoy viewing other pieces of art from Mr. Hussey.

(Portrait name)

(Building actually subsiding on Royal and St. Peter street)

(Another art piece I loved at the gallery)

(Gallery that my favorite "Desire in the Quarter" portrait came from)

Music in New Orleans

While walking down the endless streets of New Orleans, “NOLA” as they call it here, I heard a wide variety of music from classical to jazz. Music is so important to New Orleans, because jazz was widely played here in NOLA. The culture of New Orleans flourishes off of the good vibes music gives to listeners. New Orleans is so important to American music because many popular Jazz artists such as Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong are widely listened to in all states.The city spoke to me through the music by listening to the singers as they sing about the streets and history of New Orleans. The music felt as if it grabbed ahold of my heart strings and allowed me to feel the hardship New Orleans has encountered. When visiting the Treme, I found it most interesting how the homes were shaped. One part of the home seemed to melt into the other side of the home. This architectural difference made me think back to how homes are built in my home town. When visiting the Pharmacy museum, I absolutely enjoyed learning about old medicine and how people thought about treatment in the 19^th century. I learned a lot from the brilliant man educating my colleagues and I, on old time medications and physician practices. The knowledge collected at the pharmacy museum helped me see how far the medical field in New Orleans has come since the epidemic of yellow fever and malaria in this area. 

(Fire house seen during music tour)

The Voodoo Queen

The city told me many interesting stories as I embarked on my journey throughout the city. I remember the most about when I learned about  ancestors that lived in the city many years prior to my arrival. Marie Laveau “the voodoo queen” had a very interesting life story. We learned about how they are not sure where she is buried, and that many visitors would ask for favors at her grave. She is seen as more of a doctor more than what today thinks is “voodoo.” We also visited the congo square, where we watched a man dance to the beat of a congo. It was more than interesting to watch someone dance so effortlessly. The dance almost told  story, his every movement went to the beat of the drum. Throughout my short duration in New Orleans so far, I have truly felt connected to the city and its history. The city made my soul feel at peace and made my heart feel as if it belongs to the home of todays Mardi Gras. I was very surprised to learn about the Italian restaurant and their delicious gellato and canolis. Gellato is unlike any other ice cream, it makes you second guess traditional ice cream. I learned quite a few things about myself also while exploring the city. I learned how much I really appreciate the freedom the people of New Orleans get to have and that I may have ancestors that lived in this part of the United States. My preconceptions of the city were pretty accurate; I expected it to be a lot of fun, but I did not expect the city to be so haunted.