Coffee and a Lemon Bar

That’s what I ordered at a coffee shop called PJs this morning. The lady behind told me how good that sounded. I agreed it looked tasty. She said she liked the way the words sounded. I thought about it, and again I agreed.

Yesterday was a full day. We took a ride around New Orleans (in our van) with an Urban Studies/Louisiana History professor for Tulane. She is from New Orleans and her insight/ was really interesting. We started off at the Mississippi River to see how high it has risen from the recent flooding.

Dr. Kolb

We then took a stop at Lake Pontchartrain (the second largest salt water lake in the U.S.), which boarders New Orleans to the north.

Next we headed to the Lower Ninth Ward. To say that I felt horrible during this visit would be an understatement. Five and half years after Hurricane Katrina, and the damage is still unbelievable. We stopped by to see the Make It Right Homes that Brad Pitt set up. The houses were neat, but at the same time I felt awful. There are people living here and we are parked in the street looking at their homes. This isn’t a zoo. We weren’t the worst though; we were just in an unassuming van. There are tour buses that go through the Lower Ninth Ward now. As awful as it felt, I’m glad I went. It was important for me to see the devastation and it really shook me. I would like to work in the Lower Ninth Ward someday, but I don’t want to go back for another “look.”

The Industrial Canal is in the background. Near one area where the levee failed.

After that depressing stop, a pick-me-up was fully welcomed (and needed). We went to the French Quarter and walked around. We had lunch at a place called Camellia's. It took me an hour to get my cheeseburger, and the rest of the group was already finished by the time I received my food. I guess that’s just New Orleans though! We stopped by the Calbido Louisiana State Museum and saw the Hurricane Katrina (once again upsetting) and Mardi Gras exhibits. After that we had some free time. Lillian, Tori, and I walked around Jackson Square for a bit and checked out the street vendors.

We saw a wedding parade leaving the square.

During our free time we headed to Bourbon Street for a bit. We checked out a voodoo shop and all the craziness that comes with the territory.

 

After that we went to Acme Oyster House for dinner. I had a po-boy and gumbo.

Delicious

Today we are headed to Sunday brunch (apparently it’s a New Orleans tradition) and back to the Calbido Museum.

The highest Cajun in me salutes the highest Cajun in you,

Drew