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.