On the road again!
I'm in New Orleans this week attending my annual Teachers' Conference. It's something to visit a city for the first time that has rebuilt itself so amazingly after being hit by such a destructive hurricane as Katrina. I got unlucky at the airport upon landing & lost my luggage, but our really informative and cheerful shuttle driver, Charles, made up for it all by giving us an awesome tour of the city while driving everyone to their respective hotels.
Charles has taken it upon himself to share with tourists his city's struggles with natural disasters as it's people fought and recovered from Katrina over the years. He takes pride in being a fighter but admits that there is a lot of fear for what may still come. The Big Easy's struggle goes hand in hand with it's music, food, and culture and it's important to understand how it all comes together like complex Cajun flavors.
I got reminded of what's going on in Japan right now as Charles pointed out places in and around New Orleans that were flooded, destroyed and rebuilt. Mother Nature takes her own course and we are to just follow. Charles lightened up, however, as we approached downtown and it was difficult to keep up with him as he named all his favorite restaurants and the various fried, cheese covered, grilled, and sauce smothered authentic southern dishes they serve. I couldn't get Shash out of my mind then and how much he loves Jambalaya and everything Cajun. What can a vegetarian know besides the heaven that uncovers in a real southern pecan pie?
All you've heard about Southern hospitality seems all true so far. After listening to Charles, I have a new appreciation for this city & it's people besides what I'm really here for - meeting lots of committed teachers and taking in some good jazz.
I'm in New Orleans this week attending my annual Teachers' Conference. It's something to visit a city for the first time that has rebuilt itself so amazingly after being hit by such a destructive hurricane as Katrina. I got unlucky at the airport upon landing & lost my luggage, but our really informative and cheerful shuttle driver, Charles, made up for it all by giving us an awesome tour of the city while driving everyone to their respective hotels.
Charles has taken it upon himself to share with tourists his city's struggles with natural disasters as it's people fought and recovered from Katrina over the years. He takes pride in being a fighter but admits that there is a lot of fear for what may still come. The Big Easy's struggle goes hand in hand with it's music, food, and culture and it's important to understand how it all comes together like complex Cajun flavors.
I got reminded of what's going on in Japan right now as Charles pointed out places in and around New Orleans that were flooded, destroyed and rebuilt. Mother Nature takes her own course and we are to just follow. Charles lightened up, however, as we approached downtown and it was difficult to keep up with him as he named all his favorite restaurants and the various fried, cheese covered, grilled, and sauce smothered authentic southern dishes they serve. I couldn't get Shash out of my mind then and how much he loves Jambalaya and everything Cajun. What can a vegetarian know besides the heaven that uncovers in a real southern pecan pie?
All you've heard about Southern hospitality seems all true so far. After listening to Charles, I have a new appreciation for this city & it's people besides what I'm really here for - meeting lots of committed teachers and taking in some good jazz.
Nice, Tarana! I am looking forward to sharing the city, the food, the drink and the music with you!
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