America wouldn't be the same without New Orleans
America wouldn't be the same without New Orleans
Travel Stories | Yolanda Evans | October 2005
That is a statement that is so true, but never in a million years did I ever think I would agree with Bush. It is true though - New Orleans stands out. This city is rich in culture, diversity and character, and is fun to “go on down south” to mingle with the locals.
The Hurricane
I was deeply saddened a few weeks ago when Hurricane Katrina hit the city. What I saw on TV wasn't the city I know and love - It looked more like a third world country. That frightened me. I was in tears as, everyday, my city got worse and more and more people died. I could figure out where the reporters were, just from seeing a glimpse of the street. That is how well I know New Orleans. I have many friends who fled Katrina, but they will all make the move back when it is time to go back. You just don't leave this place. I have a feeling in a few months all will be back to normal. Men will be yelling, "Show me your tits!" and girls flashing for beads. You know the good old times!
I may have been away from New Orleans, but my heart still belongs to this city. This is the same from all New Orleanians. Many of us are bored of the city when we live there, but leave it, and we crave it like a drug. You can take a person out of New Orleans, but you can't take the spirit of New Orleans out of a person.
Mardi Gras Parties
I had so much fun living in New Orleans, and met most of my good friends there. I remember floating, not walking, down Bourbon Street during my first Mardi Gras, praying that I wouldn't trip and get crushed by the crowds. There really is nothing better then being at Mardi Gras! You just drink and drink… and then drink some more. Well, we do that all the time in the big easy, but the different between that and Mardi Gras is that there are big parades and you jump up and down yelling, "Say mister, throw me some beads!” Ah, the memories I have of this place could go on for pages.
I have to say, I knew ever inch of New Orleans due to my random wandering on Sunday afternoons. There was nothing I liked better then going to the French Quarter, find a new shop to explore and then finish my day off at Cafe du Monde with some Beignets. I can taste them now. I love New Orleans - it is the best place to go to in America.
Itchy Feet
But why did I leave it? I like to travel and I got bored. Yes, I get bored. There’s only so much drinking and debauchery you can do in one city (Lord knows, I did more than my fair share), so I moved on to new things, places and cities. Life must go on. You have to get out and live your life or you will never know how good you can do. I left to explore the world and write. I am happy about my deciding to leave, but I know I can always go back home and be welcomed with open arms. That’s the kind of place New Orleans is. This amazing city just welcomes you back like you never been gone.
So, what now?
So what is going to happen to New Orleans now? We’ve all seen the images on TV, the web, hell, everywhere actually. Well, the Big Easy has survived the damage. Our spirit has not been broke down. New Orleans is like the mythical bird, Phoenix: It crashed and burned, but was reborn better then ever. New Orleans will re-open. The people will come back. The city will be rebuilt. And drinks will be served. People will try to rebuild their old lives or just start new ones. But don't give up on this old. It was out for the count but it will stand up and be a booming town again. I don't know if it will be better because New Orleans was great already, but who knows (this is only one girls opinion). I know I will be back in February of 2006 to celebrate Mardi Gras, and I have a feeling this one will be the best one ever! It will be one to show the world, saying, “Ya'll come back now ya hear."
I plan to be back during this time to celebrate my city’s revival - Just look for me on the streets. It won't be that hard. I will be the loud black gal shaking her ass up and down the street, thinking, "God, I'm glad to be back. I survived and so did New Orleans.” So anyone who always wanted to go to New Orleans, next year will be the greatest party ever!
