Dear New Orleans

Not to be dramatic but I think this might be my favorite city in the US.

Which is something I've never really thought about, but if asked I would have most likely said New York or Miami for all the reasons you'd expect.

But given my good friend was getting married in her hometown I become very excited at the prospect of visiting now my third southern city. Which I will admit I was already turned onto for a number of reasons before my visit; the jazz, the architecture, the integration of African, Carribean, French, Spanish and Indigenous people and food of course.

However, what I was not expecting to find out was how deeply moved I would be diving deeper into the history of this city. America tends to pride itself on being a melting pot, but New Orleaneans had truly accomplished this before becoming part of the US, as evidenced in the Creole culture and influence of Catholicism. I can't think of any other creation of peoplehood as well documented as Creoles are in the US, although many others exist such as Gullah Geechee, Chicano and Miami Cuban-Carribean, etc.

I suppose the recent state of country might have something to do with the emotions involved in hearing our endearing tour guide speak to the layers and gems of this city. At a time when we have argueably lost our way, dimantling the significance ethnic and racial diversity has played in our complex history. Reflecting back in time considering there was and perhaps still is a way to live amongst one another, with some regard, was heartwarming.

I am quite aware the history of New Orleans is complicated and I am in no way attempting to romanticize the reality of colonialism or slavery; but perhaps what I do marvel at is the foundation of and the continued celebration of a cultural convergence in this city in the American South.

Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed soaking in the culutre of New Orleans and I hope you enjoy my upcoming posts about our time here.

Sincerely,

Monica

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