Art

Esther Barend

Outer Journey:

I went to Galerie Rue Toulouse art gallery on Royal Street.  I was drawn in from a painting I saw through the window.  I was unable to take pictures (even if they were for school).  The paintings were done by Esther Barend.  By the time I got up to guy in the gallery many of the other students had come into the gallery so I was unable to ask him any questions.  He did give me a flyer, but I decided to do my own research.  Esther was born into a family of artists in the Netherlands.  She first began with jewelry making and then went onto the Academy of Fine Arts.  After about 3 years she felt she had to go her own way, this is where she tirelessly worked on finding her style (Boy, did it pay off!)  Barend’s painting can be found in collections in USA, Europe, United Arab Emirates, Japan, and Australia.

Esther uses what appears to be oil paints.  She uses dimension to her advantage, layering paint on top of each other to bring it to life.  One thing that I noticed is she doesn’t stick to complimentary colors (Red with green, orange with blue, and yellow with purple, she uses a lot of contrast.  This draws your eyes to different parts of the picture, as if there is always more to discover.  She says she doesn’t like to have close-minded pictures where it could only represent one thing.  She uses her style of painting to encourage viewers to use their own imagination.

Upon viewing her website, I discovered she also does abstract paintings and portraits in black and white as well.  Esther clearly has an eye (and talent) for art.  Her abstract pieces spoke to me as much as her portrait pieces. They use the same brush style and dimension work, but are very open to interpretation.  She has a beautiful red abstract piece that is unlike her other paintings as red is the only color used.  It’s deep, profound, and bold.  If ever given the opportunity I would love to own a piece or two from her collection.

Inner Journey:

I enjoy art, of all kinds.  When it comes to art I have to be drawn to it, it doesn’t matter if it is realism or abstract. Esther Barend’s art drew me in off the streets.  I saw through the windows her paintings and walked right in, I wasn’t even sure if my friends had followed me.  I didn’t even bothering looking at other pictures in the gallery because I had already found the one that spoke to me.  I feel what drew me to her work was I could feel the emotion in the painting, it was like that old saying, “if walls could talk”.  Well if these paintings could talk I bet I could have listened all day.  Her paintings weren’t flat, there was dimension to them, often colors that would be conflicting of each other laid right next to each other.  I think her art spoke to me through emotions.  It was like these women in the paintings were not perfect, but they were beautiful.  It reminded me of basic human connection.  Every person has a story that includes pain, anguish, happiness, success, and failure and I felt that is what Esther was conveying in her portrait paintings.  I think I like this so much because I am a very in tune person to other’s emotions.  I care about who a person is, what their story is, and where they are going and I felt that the paintings were displaying.  It was like with each color represented a different emotion and how that person felt it depended on how heavy the paint was laid or how long the brush stroke was.  I think the way she paints can elicit a new emotion each time you see her paintings depending on how the viewer’s emotions are for the day.  That day I saw imperfect women in the paintings, wearing their past as a badge of honor, looking beautiful as ever.

Music

Outer Journey:

Music is the heart and soul of New Orleans.  It’s the pulse that keeps the city alive.  It was a different experience for me to be walking during the day and see different types of music being performed right on the streets.  Where I come from bands are booked in advanced then they are advertised usually through social media platforms.  While that is great to figure out when your favorite band is playing, a negative is you don’t get to discover new artists often.  I really enjoyed the street performers, especially (I believe it’s called) Brass Jazz.  It is not music I would normally listen to but I really liked it.  It just seemed to put a little pep...or should I say jazz in your step as your went about your day

My favorite was when we were able to go to Frenchman’s street and wander around the different bars and street to find music that spoke to us.  There were so many different styles that it was overwhelming.  I actually came across The New Orleans SwingingGypsies by fate as I chose a bar because I needed to use the restroom.  The music drew me in.  It was mesmerizing to watch the band and the audience.  The audience was swing dancing and it was beautiful.  Had I of knew the moves I would have been drawn out on the dance floor.  The music was mostly instrumental, but when they sang it was tantalizing.  The voices were pure magic that kept all eyes on them and kept the audience moving. 

Inner Journey:

I was told I believe by my teacher (may have been a tour guide) that New Orleans is called The Big Easy because it is easy to find work as a musician…but the pay isn’t always the greatest.  I can see how it is easy to become a musician in New Orleans.  However, there is something more than just that.  Music isn’t a career, it’s a way of life, an art form.  Music definitely spoke to me, moved me, and influenced me.  It was as if I was becoming part of the city, their musical pulse was becoming my pulse.  My heart would beat to the rhythm of the band rather than on its own.  It made me realize how simply we view music where I am from.  You hear a song on the radio and you like it, so you download it to your phone…done.  In New Orleans it helped me to disconnect from my phone.  I spent my time in the moment listening and taking in what these artists had to offer. It was if they were giving me a piece of them to carry with me.  My head was up and my eyes were locked in.  The New Orleans Swinging Gypsies had me in a trance to where I almost forgot to take a video of them altogether.  It was almost like meditation, I didn’t want to be bothered with conversation or my phone.  I truly wanted to feel the music.  I think the time I spent in New Orleans has changed the way I view music in general.  When I got back to the hotel after seeing them I immediately looked them up to see who there were.  I read their story and viewed their upcoming shows.  I think it is important to learn about the artists and not just focus in on one song that you liked.  Music should be experienced.

Farewell New Orleans!

Outer Journey:

It’s the final day, it came so quickly and I am not ready to say good-bye.  I woke up and already had everything packed up and laid out.  So, I was ready to grab some breakfast and head to Jackson Square one last time.  I spent my time walking around and revisiting my favorite places.  How do you even pick a favorite!?

After careful consideration, my favorite spot had to be Jackson Square.  It represents to me the heart of our trip.  This was our meeting place and where we spent much of our time exploring.  This was a great place to take in the sights, I loved walking around and looking at the street performers, the music, and the art.  Not only were streets alive with people but the scenery stole my heart.  I loved looking across the park and seeing the Andrew Jackson statue with the St. Louis Cathedral in the background.  If that wasn’t enough, the stores were adorable and great.  Each store I went into was welcoming and the workers were friendly and full of knowledge.

I will absolutely miss the city.  I am absolutely ready to be home, but New Orleans was amazing.  My plan is to come back either with my sister or my friends. Both have wanted to come here and my job was to let them know if it is worth the trip.  My answer: ABSOLUTELY!  I have been keeping my family and friends updated with pictures daily.  However, I tell them about the beautiful architecture, the live history, and culturally diverse people.  I’ve given them history facts (which by now I’m sure they are tired of hearing about).  Their favorite story is about Nicholas Cage is his bad luck that stemmed from purchasing Madame LaLaurie’s house and to correct his “juju” he had to build a pyramid shaped tomb in the cemetery and pay for perpetual care for the surrounding tombs.

Inner Journey:

My favorite part of the class was being able to take our e-travel guides and then see the city.  I really like that we did a project beforehand and then while in the city we were able to recognize the different things that were discussed.  

My favorite part of the trip would be the Katrina Museum.  Not only did I do my e-travel guide on Hurricane Katrina, but it was an emotional tribute. I really liked that they had a room with firsthand accounts and interviews.  Listening to the stories was overwhelming.  It really made me think how this wasn’t just a storm that was shown on the news, this was a disaster that displaced, in and even killed people.

I love New Orleans and the people who live there.  I have found that most residents of New Orleans are friendly, and love to share their city with anyone who visits.  The stores owners were knowledgeable about the history of their store.  Uber drivers were very willing to answer questions about Katrina or even as simple the best places to eat.  I felt most everyone was warm and welcoming.

I learned that my love for traveling has only been enhanced from this trip.  I love telling my family and friends about the details of my day. My sons are extremely interested in all the new foods that I have tried and what I am doing.  I had to facetime them one day to show them Jackson Square so they could feel included in my journey.  I learned that I love learning the history of the city I am in.  It really opens my eyes to the different ways people live.  I think learning history of other cities and seeing how others live can help shape my life better because I can have a better understanding of others.

Spiritual Awakening

Outer Journey:

A free day!  This has been the day I was looking forward too. Go to the places I wanted to that we didn’t get to visit previously, go to the stores and do my shopping, and a moment to relax.  My free day started with Voodoo Authentica where we were getting a spiritual reading.  I was the second person to go, this gave me time to really look at and explore the store.  Then it was my turn.  I am the type of person that I am so interested in this stuff (psychic readings, ghost tours, monsters, etc.) but I am cynical of it.  I don’t want to say I don’t believe but it takes a whole lot to make me a believer.  Let me tell you, Charlie who was the spiritual reader just about has me believing. Everything he said was spot on, the words he used to described certain things are specific words I use.  The way he described a specific family of mine and where he asked the others that went of their relationship status, he just talked about mine with such certainty already seeming to know the answer…and he was completely accurate.  I still struggle to say I believe but I’m that much closer.  When I was done, I walked to Jackson Square to meet up for lunch and did some shopping.  I went to Creole Delicacies because I had to get the chip dip (or two of them) and some vanilla for my baking.  I then went down to the 1850s house because I saw two small voodoo skeleton ornaments that I knew my children would love.  I found a few other items there for them as well.  I spent some time walking around Jackson Square admiring the art and street performers.  I then went back to the hotel to take my items back and took a nap before meeting everyone at Deanie’s Seafood for dinner.  I felt this place was priced well and gave out huge servings.  We were all pretty exhausted for the night so we went back to the hotel to shower and got our rooms all cleaned and packed up and spent the night in. 

Inner Journey:

Being able to travel on my own is always my favorite.  I love to wander around a city that’s new to me and be able to see where it takes me. That is where I find things that interest me the most.  I felt the city spoke to me through my spiritual reading, it helped me feel connected to the culture of the city.  I feel that I didn’t necessarily learn anything new about myself but more that it was confirmed my love of travel and continually learning about different cultures and cities. What was most impactful was the spiritual reading for sure.  It really opened my eyes to not only the culture of voodoo but to myself as well. There were things that were said that I don’t think Charlie (the spiritual reader) could have known from meeting me for a minute beforehand.  I made sure to not share anything before hand and keep very quiet during him talking to not give anything away.  It was the best and creepiest reading I have ever had. I felt that possibly it was a true connection to a spirit that gave me these insights.  It did make me go about my day differently.  One of the things that was said was I tend to lead people to much or will make suggestions, not in a authoritative way but in a helpful manner.  I was told I need to try to stop doing that to keep from draining myself.  So throughout the rest of the day when asked a question I tried to consciously not make the decision for the group and let them decide…even as simple as where to walk to.

All About History

Outer Journey:

Today we visited the Cabildo (which I believe means City Hall) and the Presbytere (Priest House) museums.  My favorite of the two was the Presbytere museum.

Presbytere museum had the Katrina museum on the first floor and a Mardi Gras museum on the second floor. The Katrina museum was my favorite part. One: I did the e-travel guide on Katrina and it was great to see things that we researched.  Two: It gave a better understanding of exactly how Katrina happened. Three: It made it more real, I was in high school when Katrina happened and it was devastating but I was never able to completely understand the devastation first hand.

A teddy bear that was found among debris

Mardi Gras was on the second floor of the Presbytere Museum.  The Mardi Gras section was amazing with all the different costumes, and the history that is there.  It was amazing to see how their workmanship has changed and has become more detailed. The museum displayed many costumes and masks from over the years.  

After the Presbytere Tour we had some time before heading to our Cabildo tour so I went walking Jackson Square.  I bought a piece of street art of a little voodoo girl.  I had told myself that I was just going to look but I was drawn to that picture.  I was so glad I decided to buy it because the guy selling them stated he is only there on the weekends.

I also went to the 1850’s house and did the tour.  It was self-guided.  It was great to see how the home was set up, but man were those stairs a killer on your legs!!!  It was actually bigger than I thought it would be, and the tour actually continued out into the courtyard.  

Now it was time for the Cabildo.  I was excited to go and check out the museum, but I have to say it was my least favorite. There was a ton of memorabilia and a lot of interesting items.  However, I didn’t feel like there was any consistency or continuity to the setup of the exhibit.  It was nice to read about the history of New Orleans, but by this time we had heard the same history over and over again.  I just felt burnt out at this point.  

Headless Andrew Jackson Statue

After the Cabildo, I came back to the hotel, picked up the room a bit and caught a bit of shut eye to re-energize.  Then it was time for the long awaited Haunted History Tour.  This is one of the tours that I looked forward to since I signed up for the class.  Our guide was Milton’s niece, and she was just as knowledgeable as Milton.  The stories were easy to listen to and interesting.

Overall, it was a good day. The weather was beautiful and my company was wonderful.

Inner Journey:

Easily the most important thing I saw today was the Katrina museum.  This was extremely moving.  There was one room that had different televisions that came on and showed different interviews, pictures, or videos of different responders or evacuations. One of the ones that got to me the most was the interviews done by those who were stranded in the Charity Hospital.  They were stranded there for 5 days, and rescue efforts had begun but stopped because there was believed to be a sniper that was shooting (some accounts recall being fired at, others do not recall this).  Then there was reports that the hospital had already been evacuated, so they started making banners to let people know they were still there.  This also helped boost morale and life the spirits of those there.  I couldn’t imagine being stranded during the storm, especially during these dire situations.

Another piece that really affected me and made me think was a pair of jeans.  This guy who had to travel on his bike through the rising waters, and gusting winds.  On these jeans he wrote his wife’s name and phone number, his blood type, and other important information.  This really brought me to realization of what he was feeling and going through.  I was overwhelmed with feeling of how it must have felt to know you must make this trip, but death or injury was more likely than surviving.  Luckily, he survived and made his destination safely.

Another place that I did enjoy was the 1850 house.  I was really glad that I decided to take this tour on my spare time.  It really brought to light what it would have been like to grow up in this era.  The kitchen was down in the court yard and was barely bigger than closet.  It was crazy to see some noticeable changes from then and now, like chamber pots or dolls with porcelain faces.  The furniture was my favorite part of the rooms because I love antiques, I found out that the bed has no nails in it and is like one large wooden puzzle that intricately goes together.  It is definitely a different way of living than I am use too.

Tour Day!

Tour, Tour, and More Tours.

Outer Journey:

Today was a beautiful day! We spent time at the Old Ursuline Convent, St. Louis Cathedral, and on a cuisine tour.

The Ursuline Convent is the oldest building in Mississippi Valley which was built in 1745…how amazing that the building is over 250 years old.  We learned that one of the devastating fires of New Orleans had gotten to the building right next to the convent, but they put a statue in the window facing the fire, and at the last minute the winds shifted and the convent was spared.  I was so impressed with the alter, but was even more in awe of this host holder (I don’t remember the correct name and couldn’t find it).  It was made out of gold and silver, diamonds and precious jewels…and was absolutely gorgeous!

My least favorite tour today was the St. Louis Cathedral.  I think this was because most of the information our tour guide went over, we had just recently talked about at the Old Ursuline Convent.  Also, I had assumed that the alter when have been more elaborate than the convent’s but I didn’t think it was that grand.

The last tour and my favorite was the cuisine tour.  We got to sample five different cuisines: 

Tujague’s- Beef Brisket Po Boy with Creole Horseradish Sauce

This reminded me of the Italian Beef that we make at home.  The main difference was the Creole Horseradish Sauce that added a little spice to the tender meet, but the flavor was amazing.  We only had a slice of the Po Boy, but I could have easily eaten a whole sandwich!!

Creole Delicacies- Red Beans and Rice…and as an added bonus we got to try “Party in your mouth” dip

I was unsure if I was going to like the Red Beans and Rice, honestly I figured it was going to be kind of bland but in fact it was layers with flavor.  I without even realizing inhaled the sample within seconds.  If that wasn’t good enough, the dip we got to try was ah-mazing!  I will be going back to the store on my free day to get the season mix for the “Party in your mouth” dip to take back home and devour.  

Antonine’s- Seafood Gumbo

OOoh do I like gumbo! The seafood gumbo did not disappoint. There was shrimp, blue crab, and oysters.  I love seafood, and having it put into gumbo was one of the best decisions ever made!

Leah’s Pralines- Praline

WOAH! Talk about a sugar rush!  Pralines were delicious but a cavity waiting to happen.  I don’t know how someone could eat the whole thing in one sitting, but it was delicious.  We also got to sample Bacon Pecan Brittle.  I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not, but why not give it a try.  It again  was extremely sweet but delicious.  I like to take a small bit once or twice a day, but don’t think I could handle eating more than that.

Arnaud’s- Shrimp Remoulade and Turtle Soup

Turtle soup?  Yeah I know, but it was delicious.  In fact, it reminded me of chili.  I thought the Shrimp Remoulade was good, but I am not a big fan of cold shrimp so it was probably my least favorite dish of the cuisine tour.

After our tours were completed I spent some time in the hotel with my roommates and went out to Bourbon Street, and man was it crazy out the on a Friday night!

Inner Journey:

The sun was out, the birds were chirping (well actually they were eating food off the sidewalks), and I was ready to go.  It has been the nicest day so far weather-wise.  We had a day full of tours that did not disappoint.

The Old Ursuline Convent was my favorite between the convent and cathedral tour.  As a Catholic I was really moved by the details of the Ursuline Convent Alter.  It was simply breathtaking.  It was surreal being in a place full of so much history.  One thing I was disappointed about was that it has since been renovated and that the nuns dorms were no longer there.  Too be honest I wanted to see if they resembled the ones on Sister Act.

After the Old Ursuline Convent we went on a tour to St. Louis Cathedral.  The Cathedral is gorgeous from the outside.  I was disappointed in the alter compared to the Old Ursuline Convent’s alter.  One thing that was shocking to me and really put into perspective how important religion is in the South compared to where I am from is that Bishops are buried beneath the Cathedral, and the person who paid to have it rebuilt.  I know this is so they will always be with the church, but in a way I feel that it is slightly disrespectful that people are just constantly walking on them.  But, I guess this is considered a great honor.

I think the tour that spoke the most to me was the cuisine tour.  I think the food in New Orleans tells a story of the different cultures that came here.  The food became a melting pot of the cultures as each culture was able to bring something. While trying the foods I felt closer to the culture in New Orleans.  I started to understand Creole cooking and why it is so important to New Orleans.  It was a great experience to be a part of, and I will remember the taste of the food for years to come.  I can’t wait to go home and rub it in my family’s face about all the delicious foods I got to try on my trip.

First Day in the Big Easy

First day in the Big Easy!

Outer Journey:

Today we dove right into the history of the city.  We took a three hour tour with our tour guide Milton.  He was energetic and knowledgeable about the architecture and history.  We learned a ton of information, but I have to say that my favorite would be the cemetery tour.  I have always been interested in the cemeteries in New Orleans. It is a completely different experience than visiting the cemeteries in my home town.  I’m use to the a “normal” cemeteries where the departed are buried in a coffin, under the ground.  In New Orleans due to the water table being high they have to bury the departed about ground in vaults.  Families usually have a family vault.  But, an interesting fact about burials is if a family dies, they cannot bury another family unless it has been a year and one day later.  This gives time for the coffin and body to decompose.  Another interesting thing about the vaults are they represent the type of homes they lived in.  You could see one-story, two-story, and three-story vaults.  Some had balconies or wrought iron gates to symbolize the type of homes or life they had.

Some of the interesting tombs that we saw were Madame Laveau’s tomb.  In fact she has three tombs.  Milton told us that a rumor was started by tour guides that if you place X’s on her tomb, and state your wish it may come true.  Then if it comes true you come back and put a circle around the X’s.  

Another tomb we saw belonged to Nicholas Cage, who is not deceased.  Milton told us that Nicholas Cage bought one of the most haunted houses in the United States, this seemed to lead to unfortunate events that lead to a series of poor movies and bankruptcy.  So he went to a medium and was told to build his tomb…a pyramid tomb. It sticks out like a sore thumb.

We went to the Pharmacy tour.  This was interesting especially as most of us are in the nursing field.  It was interesting to see the practices they used in the first pharmacy.  These practices would now be considered malpractice…and completely horrifying. The syringes they used were large, and most were unable to be cleaned.  Seeing these physically made my arm hurt thinking about getting a shot this way.  It was also interesting to hear that most of the medicines contained opioids.  Our tour guide was energetic and made the tour lively.  This has been one of my favorite tours thus far.

We went to an art gallery, then me and my roommates headed back to the hotel to get a quick nap in before heading out to Frenchman’s street.  The nap was rejuvenating and was much needed, at least for me.  We headed out to meet up our class at Jackson’s Square, then headed to Frenchman’s Street.  Frenchman’s Street was alive with music.  Everywhere you turned music was pouring out onto the streets.

After Frenchman’s street it was finally time to try the famous Café Du Monde’s beignets.  We were told by an Uber driver, you go and sit at a table, only tourists wait in line to be seated.  Our service was quick andour beignets were warm and delicious.  They reminded me of funnel cakes, but more like pillows.  It was extremely difficult to eat them without getting powdered sugar all over, but they were worth it. 

Inner Journey:

Today New Orleans spoke, and I listened.  I was really moved by the history we learned today.  I remember looking around Jackson Square waiting for Milton to show up and thinking, “do the residents ever get tired of the beautiful architecture?”

However, as the tour went on, I learned that the history of New Orleans is dark, and depressing.  For example, while at the Pharmacy Museum, we learned that across the street was a slave exchange that was still active into the 1900s.  This information was difficult to hear, and really puts in perspective how it wasn’t very long ago in our history that this was happening.  I think this is devastating.  I also felt a sense of sadness for all the “voodoo” doctors or natural healers were no longer allowed to practice legally, and if they did they feared fines or prosecution.

In the cemetery I was surprised to learn families were buried together.  I felt honored to be a part of learning the history of the cemetery and those who lie there.  To me cemeteries are scared and should be treated with respect.  Milton had said that to go into the cemeteries it must be done by a tour guide which I think is great.  This can reduce vandalization to any tombs, which in my opinions is completely disrespectful!  I loved hearing about November 1^stwhere families will come and literally have a picnic with their ancestors, I think it is important to honor and celebrate your ancestors.  I feel that in my town, visiting the cemetery is a very private moment that is usually done individually and is never talked about.

Frenchman’s street was extremely overwhelming with all the people walking and with music coming for every direction.  However, it was almost as if Frenchman’s street was alive and the music was the pulse. We went into D.B.A. bar and found a band that was playing swing music.  The band was great but I was mesmerized by the audience who danced to the music without fear.  I found myself getting lost in their moves.

Arrival!!!

WE HAVE ARRIVED!!!!

Outer Journey:

Our endless train ride finally came to a halt when we arrived at our destination, New Orleans! I could feel the anxiousness and excitement radiating off my classmates as they made their way off the train.  To top it all off, we have arrived earlier than our expected time!  Gathering our luggage and getting an Uber took no time at all.  Before you knew it we were at our hotel, Springhill Marriot, waiting for our names to be too called so we could go to our rooms.

Once it our rooms, it was time to freshen up.  Boy did we need it!  Holly, Kim and I each took our turns taking a quick shower and getting ready to begin our journey into the Big Easy.  We met down in the lobby at 5 o’clock (and we were not late!).  From there as a class we walked to the streetcar we would be boarding.  The streetcars were awesome.  They were spacious, clean, and well lit.  Once we got to our stop we walked around.  We got to see where Jackson Square is…which is our meeting destination for our next class.  Then it was dinner time!

We went to Pierre Maspero’s. I had to try the crab cakes as it was highly suggested from our teacher.  I couldn’t just stop there, I also ordered fried alligator bites.  Then Holly and I split the sampler.  The sampler included Cajun Jambalaya, Crawfish Etouffée and Chicken & Andouille Gumbo.  I absolutely did NOT like the Crawfish Etouffée…in my opinion I thought it tasted like dog food.  I’m sure that is not the popular opinion as it is one of their best sellers.  This was my first time trying gumbo and jambalaya and it did not disappoint!

We were supposed to go on our Haunted History Tour, but due to the rain it was rescheduled until Sunday. Due to this myself and some classmates decided to explore what New Orleans had to offer. Our plan was to go to Fritzel’s to listen to Jazz music but our plans were later changed as the music didn’t start until 9:00pm.  We then wandered down Bourbon Street to The Cat’s Meow, this place was great.  We got to see some karaoke, although none of us were brave enough to get up and sing.  Then we went to the Tropical Isle, their famous drink is called a Hand Grenade. I decided to try one before I called it a night.

Before we turned it in for the night Holly, Kim, Cassie, and myself decided to check out the Harras Casino to try our hand with lady luck.  To put it simply, luck was not on my side, but I only played $20 before decided to call it a night.  We got back to the hotel, showered up again after being in the rain all night and spent our time before sleep filling our readers in on our blogs.

Inner Journey:

I felt that I could have dropped to my knees to thank God that we had finally arrived.  I was completely exhausted from being cooped up on the train all day.  I felt like I was dirty from wearing the same clothes and just really needed a shower to wash the exhaustion away!  I can understand why some people kiss the ground after they get off an airplane…they are so thankful to make it to their destination.  I was internally praying that it wouldn’t take long for our luggage to be gathered and to obtain an Uber to our hotel.  Our luggage was quick and our Uber driver was quicker.

Arriving at our hotel gave me a sense of peace.  We had finally arrived and were ready to begin our journey.  The hotel was clean and very nice looking.  Our rooms were inviting and provided a sense of “home” for our week long journey.  As great as it was to have a place to escape to, it felt even better to take a shower and wash off the train ride.  I felt rejuvenated after I got out of the shower.  I was eager to begin our class time into the Big Easy.  It was mesmerizing to see the structures of Jackson Square and too see how different they were from back home.  Even though I was excited to see Jackson Square I was even more excited to go to dinner at Pierre Maspero’s.

I tried the crab cakes and fried gator bites for an appetizer, followed by their sampler which included gumbo, jambalaya, and etouffée.  I was so satisfied with everything…well everything except the etouffée.  I know that it is a best seller their but I detested it.  I felt a little overwhelmed with the prices on the menu, although they weren’t horrible they were higher than I had expected.  Was the food delicious, absolutely (well except the etouffée), was it worth the price…meh.

I was bummed to hear we were not going on the Haunted History Tour but was relieved to hear it was rescheduled to Sunday, as this was one the things I looked most forward too. Once everyone discussed our options with the tour being cancelled, myself and classmates decided to check our Bourbon street.  We were originally going to check out Fritzel’s, a jazz club, but due to the band not starting until later we decided to check out other places.  We went to the Cat’s Meow.  I felt at place there.  It reminded me of the places I would go to back in my home town.  The people were friendly and welcoming and there was karaoke. None of us were brave enough to get up on stage to sing.  I had thought about it but with each person that went up to sing, the better each person got at singing.  I knew I couldn’t compare…so I wasn’t going to set myself up to fail.  We then ventured to the Tropical Isle where I tried their famous drink, the Hand Grenade.  I was a little nervous trying it because it is supposed to be one of the strongest drinks.  After, the Tropical Isle we decided to head to the Harras Casino.  I was anxious.  I am not a gambler, the most I do is buy dollar scratch offs.  I couldn’t bear to use more than $20.  In fact even doing $20, made me anxious and uneasy.  So it was easy for me to call it a quits after losing.  After being soaked all evening, I was beyond thrilled to get back to the hotel room and take off my wet shoes and socks.  Then to be able to take a shower and wash my hair was transformative.  Now the bed is calling, no yelling, my name and I have not been happier to go to bed.

Arrival to Champaign, Train Ride

DEPARTURE DAY!

Outer Journey:

Well the day has come for departure.  After class, I had enough time for last minute checks…which of course I forgot my travel pillow.  Mental note, stop by the store to pick one up on the way to Champaign.  I went to Holly’s apartment after class, she finished packing then we stopped by the CVS in Peoria for any last minute items we needed (my travel pillow!). Holly, Kole, and I rode together to the train station. Our estimated time of driving was 90 minutes, but luckily it did not seem like it at all.  We spent our time talking about our trip, things we want to do, and sharing a can of mixed nuts. 

Arrival at the train station was incredibly simple.  After we took Neil exit, we turned onto University and then it took us right to the train station.  We arrived earlier than we had expected, so we stopped by 7 Saints and grabbed us something to eat, that way we would hopefully be held over until the next morning on the train ride.  We got an appetizer sampler to split, this included fried green beans (one of my favorites), onion rings, and the biggest cheese curds I have ever seen…seriously they were huge!  After we finished eating it was time to head back to the train station and unload our luggage.  Holly and I decided to leave Kole with the luggage, and go and park the car so we had someone to walk back with.

Surprisingly, the wait at the train station didn’t take as long as I expected.  The time seemed to go by pretty quickly, this is probably do to hooking my computer up with my hotspot and catching up on some of my shows. Next thing I know we are getting called to board, “Methodist Church to the front of the left side”.  It was a good laugh for all of us to be called a church versus a college.

Boarding the train, was a different experience than I have had before.  I have been on Amtrak in the past, but it was not a double decker train. We had to walk up this very narrow, spiral staircase.  Walking in line with all my other classmates all I could think was, “and the ants going marching on”.  Once up the chairs and to our designated block of chairs, I was impressed by the space between each set of chairs.

The train I had previously rode on the seats were closer together.  I sit down and across the aisle Kim reclines her chair and kicks up a foot rest.  SCORE! I had no idea there was a foot rest, I had assumed the chair reclined partially. But, my excitement didn’t last long as my foot rest would only stay elevated midway, if I put it any higher it would fall.  *Note to self, on the way home to check foot rest first!*

Sleeping on the train…more like resting my eyes (as my mom would say).  At first I thought the trains rocking may be soothing or almost therapeutic…HA! I was completely wrong on that assumption.  Anytime I would get semi comfortable, or fall asleep, the train would jerk, waking me up instantly.

After finally getting a little bit of sleep, I made my way to the observation cart.  This cart was pretty interesting as the windows are larger which allows for you to see in every direction.  In the observation cart there were tables and booths and couch like areas. 

After a quick class session on the bus, it was to the diner cart to grab a quick bite to eat to stay fueled for the day ahead.  I got a Turkey (or maybe it was ham) and bacon flatbread.  I was surprised how good it tasted for it being "train food".  The bread wasn't hard as I had expected it to be.

Inner Journey:

After class ended, I had the panic of missing something or losing something behind.  I live an hour from school in the opposite direction of where the train station is.  I knew if I forgot something I had to assess if it was worth spending money on it, or to go without.  Luckily, the only thing I could figure out that I forgot was my travel pillow…Phew! Simple purchase, complete!  I still can’t shake the feeling the I forgot something, of importance.  Of course I won’t figure that out until I go through my suitcase when we arrive at the hotel.  However, this is not an unusual feeling for me to have when traveling.  Outside of the anxious feeling that I forgot something, I am completely excited for the upcoming trip…and absolutely dreading the 17+ hour train ride, but at least we get to sleep through the night…at least hopefully!

Riding along with Holly and Kole to the train station was relaxing.  It helped eased my anxiousness if I forgot something, and the dread I had toward the train ride and really helped my excitement build for the trip as a whole.  We arrived a bit early which allowed us to grab some food and gave us enough time at the station to check our bags and decompress and prepare for our long journey. 

Boarding the train, was easy as they allowed for “Methodist Church Group” to go ahead of others so that we could sit in the same vicinity as each other.  It didn’t take long to nestle into our seats, I put my broken foot rest up as far as it would go and put my travel pillow around my neck and covered up, closed my eyes and waited to sleep.  And waited.  Okay, so sleep was going to happen immediately, I connect my mobile hotspot to my computer so I can watch another episode of Teen Wolf.  As I was watching my eyes were getting heavier and heavier, so at the end of the episode I decided it was time to sleep.

It was not an ideal situation or my best sleep.  I am a lighter sleeper in places I am unfamiliar.  Usually on vacations I am up by 6am partly because I am somewhere unfamiliar and the other part because I can’t wait to explore the area.  I was extremely restless, waking at every jerk of the train and every movement of the people around me.  This was increasingly frustrating, especially as I look around and it appears that everyone else has found a way to sleep.  This continued from about midnight to 5am when I decided to waste some time on my computer.  About 8am I decided to give sleeping one more shot.  IT WORKED! I slept from 8am to about 10am. I was thrilled, my body felt like new…okay maybe not that far.  My body felt less dead.

After waking I decided to go to the observation cart, my time in there we spent traveling Mississippi. This was slightly devastating to me looking out the windows.  The state appears run down, the woodlands full of debris.  Many houses are one story houses, and many appear to be abandoned.  The observation cart allowed me to see another world than I am use to out there.  One thing that happened that I was not prepared for was the slight motion sickness that I was getting from all the moving land passing by the windows at such a high speed.