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)