Like a Bird in the Wind
Location: New Orleans, Lousiana
Album: Creole and Cajun Music
I was fortunate enough to visit this fabulous city down South before the horrible Hurricane Katrina destroyed some historical parts. I stayed in the glorious French Quarter in a small bed and breakfast inn. When you walked onto the streets, you could see the gorgeous terraces and porches which made up the Quarter. We did many of the activities one should do when they visit New Orleans (which we learned is pronounce Naw'leans)
Though the weather was slightly chilly in the January month, it was warm enough to walk around while being bundled up. During the day, we visited the Mardi Gras factory where all the costumes and floats are made and stored, an old plantation house (which is tragically not there anymore because of the natural disaster), and took a cruise ship ride in the harbor. At night we dined on Cajun and Creole cuisine and either listened to that type of music at the local bars (one guy even played the washboard!) or visited the famous 'Preservation Hall' and took in the amazing blues music.
One day we took a boat ride on the bayou. We went through the swamps and marshes, saw the cemeteries and graves that lined the bayou, and even saw some crocodiles and alligators. I held a baby alligator named Elvis and learned a valuable lesson which I hope I never have to use. When trying to run away from an alligator, one should run in a zigzag path because the gator takes a long time to turn directions and it will follow your path exactly.
As they are still rebuilding the state of Louisiana almost three years after the devastating calamity, I will always hold my memories of New Orleans near to my heart.
