I have been to New
Orleans before so I have a general basis of what to expect as I have experienced
what I noted in Urban Expectations – Outer Journey. I cannot completely compare
that experience to the upcoming one, however. One day of walking through the
French Quarter is not the same as exploring the culture and history of the city
with a microscope. I felt immense excitement to be in such a beautiful city,
but to be able to learn about how the city became the way it is today is an
even bigger goal of mine. I could not truly appreciate New Orleans and its
distinct characteristics without knowing how it became that way.
The descriptions I made
were my own personal experiences of the city. The New Orleans folk make
everyone feel welcome with their hospitality. I genuinely felt welcomed by
everyone even though I did not actually talk to many of them while I had
visited. However I have visited Louisiana many times as I have family that live
in the Lafayette area. I have conversed with many more folks of that area and
they made me feel as though they were devoted to manners, hospitality, and
making sure I was fed well. While some may feel that this is a stereotype of
the folk of Louisiana, it seems to be how they are from whom I have met and
conversed with.
I feel most comfortable
in my quiet hometown or my relaxed and cozy apartment away from the busy city.
I usually don’t feel comfortable being in busy areas, such as crowded concerts
or in malls the day after Christmas. I can feel my heart racing when I am in
these areas. It also makes my heart race when I hear many different
conversations in one area because it makes it hard for me to focus on just one
or with the one I am trying to have. I hold my breath when people hover over me
or bump or rub against me. I am not sure if I am this way because of where I
come from, or if it also in accordance to my personality. When I had my first
visit to New Orleans, I felt all of these things consistently during my time
there. I have had these feelings of shakiness, nervousness and anxiety in any
area that is crowded, loud, and/or cannot converse. It makes me feel belittled
in a sense. However, I am able to hold myself together as best as I can so as
not to disturb those around me; such as family, friends, and even
acquaintances. If I feel as though my anxiety is acting up, I do what I need to
do for myself so that I do not effect those around me and the experience they
are trying to indulge in as well as I am. I chose to participate in this course
for the great experience that I will achieve through learning about the culture
and the history that make up New Orleans and how it turned into such the
efficient city that it is today.
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