Again, the nation is on vigil. What will happen to New Orleans?
I did not enjoy living in New Orleans. It would have been a horrible city in which to raise a family. I rejoiced when I moved away after almost three years there, in three different residences--one just off the Vieux Carrè, one uptown, and one off the Audubon Park.
But there are memories there. I was married there. I loved the music there. Jazz Fest. On Napoleon St. yelling for throws. Tchopitoulas. Mona's. Lola's. Jaquimo's. The natives who called you "Love" as if it were your first name. City Park. St. Charles. The Streetcar. Walks on the Riverfront. Saying you're a local every time someone comes up to you saying, "Betcha I can tell ya where ya got dem shoes!" Looking out over the levee and seeing the water level of the Mighty Mississippi higher than the roofs of the homes on either side of the levee. Laissez les bon temps rouler. Zydeco. Saying "He aksed me" instead of "asked me". The Spanish moss hanging from the old oaks, haunting Audubon Park. The invinceable belief that N'awlins is the City of the Saints and that it would never be actually destroyed...the storms come close but the Saints take care of the city. The Wedding Cake House on St. Charles. Carrolton and Claiborne--they intersect but I always would mix those two streets up. Ann Rice's house, and the goths that worship her. The cemetaries...
So much flooding back to me, tears, smiles, good and bad memories, so strong, yet again just as they did three years ago in the anticipation of Katrina. I have not been back since. I am not certain anyone is supposed to be there. I suppose I am not to decide that. I simply pray that those who must decide can learn to read the lessons of Mother Nature and decide wisely, in the best interest of all. For those I know who are natives and other friends who still reside there even following Katrina, my thoughts are with you all on this eve of yet another great storm.
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Wow. Thank you for the wonderful memories. I grew up in Louisiana and went to New Orleans MANY times. I knew the shoes thing... I warned my husband when we went and he was convinced he could outsmart the guy because his shoes were a gift from his brother who worked at Nike. I kept saying, "No, you don't get it. Somehow, he is tricking you." Nope, he didn't listen. And lost out on like 5 bucks or something?
ResponderEliminarLove all those memories. I haven't been back in years either. I've never lived there but something about that city... holds on in your memories, doesn't it?
Great post.
I just hope everyone heeded yhe evacuation orders and got out of there.
ResponderEliminarNature is the one force we can't defend ourselves from or defeat.
That city has special memories for me as well. I always wanted to live there. I never got the chance to, but I remember walking the streets with all my camera gear swinging from me as I captured the places and faces of that historic city. It was magical.
May it fare well in the face of Gustav.
I didn't visit New Orleans until a few years ago - Post Katrina. I loved it though... the flavor, character, culture, and history. I couldn't live there long term, but would love to spend a while absorbing all its nuances and spice. (And yet, I think you probably have to live there long term to know it)
ResponderEliminarMy thoughts are with the Gulf Coast as the storm arrives.
What interesting memories you have of New Orleans. I have never been there so it's nice to hear what you remember.
ResponderEliminarYes, we wait to see what happens. Just because of Katrina...
I visited New Orleans eleven years ago - on a crazy trip with my parents and my seven year old in a motor home. I loved it there - the sights, the smells that were so deliciously exotic and flavorful.
ResponderEliminarA week ago I had a very vivid dream about a flood, and even while I was having the dream, I was reminded of New Orleans - the dream had a lot of meaning on a personal level, but I can't help wondering if there was more to it. At times like these, when disaster threatens far away, I feel helpless - I can only watch and wait, hope and pray, and wish for the harm to be averted.
T, that is funny! I've never lost to the Shoe Dude. And I say that with pride! I liked saving my tips for the streetcorner musicians.
ResponderEliminarWindy, the people I know did get out, although many weren't going to go a few days back. When it started looking serious, people packed and left. I've had to do that, too. It's stressful and not a lot of fun, wondering what you'll return to.
TE, Arial: The flavors...yes, the flavors. Even in the music you can practically taste NOLA. I always had a hankering for some spicy jambalaya while listening to Zydeco. In no other place I have ever visited could I "taste" the sounds.
Z--you'll get there one day, if there is, one day, a place left to get to. The French were smart; they built on the highest part of the "under sea level" area. The rest--rather screwed.
Be well, all.
I'm sorry I passed the chance to see it 'before' I wonder if it'll ever be the same. Gladly the city was spared this time. Must have been a wonderful place to spend a few years.
ResponderEliminarI was glad to hear that New Orleans residents will soon be able to return home. I've only been once, as a kid, when I lived on the coast of Mississippi.
ResponderEliminar