NEW ORLEANS LIVING: My Journey in New Orleans
Experience the enchanting allure of New Orleans, a city steeped in rich history, vibrant culture, and warm-hearted hospitality. From its European-influenced arts and traditions to the delectable dishes that define its culinary landscape, New Orleans invite you into a world of celebration and joy. Explore the iconic festivities that make this city truly unique and discover the rhythm that beats at the heart of the city.
Iconic New Orleans
Mardi Gras
Unlock the true essence of New Orleans by immersing yourself in the vibrant festivities of Mardi Gras. Witness the magic of colorful parades and lively mask parties that sweep through the main street of Louisiana, particularly the enchanting city of New Orleans. Join the celebration, catch coveted bead necklaces, savor street food, and dance to the rhythm of the music.It’s an experience that paints the city with the unique spirit of Mardi Gras.
King Cake
As early as January, the sweet aroma of King Cakes fills the air in New Orleans. These delectable treats feature cinnamon-flavored dough adorned with Mardi Gras colors – green, gold, and purple – in sugar or icing. Available in various flavors like cheese or fruit-filled, each cake hides a tiny plastic baby Jesus. The lucky person discovering the baby Jesus is then tasked with either buying the next cake or hosting the next party, adding delightful tradition to the city’s festive spirit.
French Quarter
The French Quarter, a historic gem, draws visitors worldwide with its origins dating back to the 1800s during the French colonization. Derived from the French term “Vieux Carre”, meaning “Old Square”, this neighborhood boasts artsy European architecture with French and Spanish Creole influences. A stroll or a horse carriage ride during the day unveils the charm of New Orleans, showcasing unique colorful designs, flags, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and centuries-old ironwork. Bourbon Street, traversing the heart of the French Quarter, comes alive at night with vibrant nightlife, people enjoying patio drinks, and lively celebrations. Despite being underage for the nightlife party scene, I relished the delicious location cuisine during my stay.
Food
New Orleans, a haven for food enthusiasts, entices with a diverse culinary scene featuring fresh oyster, gumbo, Po-boys, boiled crawfish, red beans and rice, banana foster, and more. The fusion of European influence, African roots, and local cooking styles results in refined cuisines adorned with rich sauces and fresh seafood. From Shrimp and Crawfish Creole to the New Orleans muffuletta, which traces its roots to Italy, the city’s gastronomic offerings are a delightful blend of flavors and cultural influences.
Cafe Du Monde
Don’t miss the iconic Cafe Du Monde for a taste of New Orleans’ beignets and coffee. I fondly recalled watching kids covered in powdered sugar-dusted doughnuts while patiently waiting in line during a bustling summer season
New Orleans Street Car
The New Orleans Streetcar stands as one of the first in North America and holds the title of the world’s oldest continuously operating streetcar since 1835. The longest route winds through major streets, including Canal Street and St. Charles Avenue, where you’ll find the Academy of the Sacred Heart school, where I attended.
Jazz Music
As soon as I arrived in New Orleans for the first time, the first sign that caught my eyes was a giant painting of a Jazz band at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport. Originating in New Orleans, Jazz music comes with different styles, characterized by swing and blue notes, complex chords, and improvisation. I had the great pleasure meeting Mr. Robin Blanchard, a world-renowned trumpeter, composer, and Blue Note recording artist, who shared insight into the world of Jazz. Disney’s Princess and the Frog movie beautifully encapsulates many New Orleans traditions, including Jazz, Mardi Gras, Beignets, Street Cars, and the French Quarter.
Oak Tree
New Orleans’ oak trees are not just historic, they bring natural beauty throughout all seasons. With roots that can date back hundreds of years, they are durable and strong as my host father likes to say, “Be strong as an oak.” The tremendous oak trees that stretch throughout the park provide excellent shade for summer picnics and add an elegant charm for many to soak up the views along the streets.
Hurricane Katrina 2005
Understanding Hurricane Katrina, along with other major natural disasters, provides insight into the resilience of one city. Before the hurricane hit in 2005, New Orleans was busier than ever. The aftermath flooded many homes and impacted the lives of hundreds of New Orleanians, causing some to leave permanently. Today, the city has rebuilt, and its culture and tradition remain vibrantly intact.
The Superdome and The Saints
The first American football game I ever watched was at the Superdome with my host family took me. It was the New Orleans Saints against Bengals, and despite not understanding the game, I fell in love with it after watching three more games at the Superdome.
1st Super Bowl Champion in 2009
I got a chance to witness the Saints’ first Super Bowl’s Champion in 2009. The Saints’ first Super bowl win in 2010 was a significant moment for all New Orleanians, celebrated with a victory parade downtown with a Mardi Gras theme, when I saw Sean Payton, Drew Brees, Jeremy Shockey, Reggie Bush, and others up close.
New Orleans Living
People and Culture
I had the privilege of staying with two amazing host families that were introduced by my father’s dearest friend, whom I called Pa Pere. It was my first experience adapting to a different families, immersing myself in New Orleans culture, and sharing new experience every day. Everyone enjoy learning, helping others, and know how to have fun. New Orleanians love laughter, backyard dancing, cooking good food, and value quality time together.
Academy of the Sacred Heart
I attended the Academy of the Sacred Heart, a private Catholic all-girls school, for one year. Most of my friends started preschool and kindergarten together, creating a close-knit family like atmosphere. Transitioning to a new school in a new country at the age of 15 brought uncertainly, but everyone was welcoming. On the first day, I was invited by couple new friends for a weekend hangout. During the regular week in the mornings, we spent 2 days the chapel, 2 days in the assembly room for announcement, and every Wednesday have breakfast at homeroom.
The school offered various extracurricular activities, from scavenger hunts and game days to field trips, winter retreats, and volunteering to prepare hearty meals. There were also yearly rally dances, sports like flag football, and arts including painting, pottery, and music. The inclusive environment treated everyone equally, regardless of their religion background. Despite coming from a Buddhist background, I was honored to be chosen to participate in the May Crowning ceremony for the first time.
Beyond the school setting, I enjoyed numerous outings, sleepovers, and parties with classmates from the same grade. Having two sisters in the same school allowed me to expand my friend network to different grades. We engaged in various activities outside school, including volunteering to build homes for those impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
Location
Located just over an hour’s drive from the main city, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Louisiana, is within reach of many states, including Mississippi, I have visited Mississippi multiple times with my host family, taking breaks from the busy city life. Living in New Orleans for just one year had provided me numerous family gatherings and road trips across multiple states. We flew to Georgia, where I had the opportunity to visit extended family and tour the city, including Coca-Cola Museum. We also drove down to Alabama to spend Thanksgiving with more family.
See You Again NOLA
Time went by so fast, and saying goodbye to all my friends was not easy. Although we all moved apart to different states and places, everyone gets together occasionally. New Orleans is in my heart and is always my second home where my first journey began.
Although a one-year stay was short, I learned so much and fell in love with the culture and many grateful people. New Orleans is the second state I visit before may others to come. It is a city where I experienced the richness in arts, cultures, inclusiveness, and many histories. There was a lot more to see, and if I had stay longer, I would have experienced other new celebrations such as the Knight of Babylon.