New Orleans is unlike any city in America. It's cultural diversity is woven into the food, the music, the architecture - even the local superstitions. It's a sensory experience on all levels and there's a story lurking around every corner.
—Ruta Sepetys
I've always wanted to check out New Orleans, and I had the opportunity to visit for the first time with PJ for a football game. It wasn't the way I anticipated ending up there, but it was a phenomenal trip spending time with my boy and mixing in some football. He was the MVP of a regional summer camp, and as a result he was invited to the All-American Bowl to play in games with other 10 year olds selected from around the country. The football was great, the people were friendly, and the food was everything I thought it would be. Poets, palmreaders, streetfairs, artists, musicians: the city had a lot of character, and to me it was emphasized by it's notable resilience after Katrina. Stories about the storm were plentiful with the locals, and we even had a chance to ride through the ninth ward, the area hit worst. It is amazing that 12 years later cement slabs remain where homes once stood, and the rebuilding is still going on. I looked out the window at the canals and wetlands as we drove through the neighborhood approaching the Claiborne Avenue bridge, and could feel the weight of the water surrounding the area. I can only imagine the helplessness and horror those people felt during the storm. The French Quarter and Creole food was awesome, but I have to be honest those French Beignets were good but over-rated. I think our NY Italian Zeppoles are better.
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