The NOLA Experience

The NOLA Experience: The Beautiful and Bold Big Easy

Jornal Excerpt: Tuesday,  May 9th.

I am currently on the plane heading home from New Orleans while writing this. NOLA, New Orleans, the Big Easy. It was the perfect 4-day long weekend, the perfect getaway, and the perfect early birthday present to myself.

I am returning from this trip with my heart happy, belly full, and sunkissed with a refreshed mind and a sunny disposition. The weather was impeccable, roughly 83 with gorgeous sunny blue skies every day. It was not too hot, humid, or buggy.

NOLA Culture

There is something unique about New Orleans. Part of it is the charming colorful homes and buildings with unique architecture and unique details. Part of it is the unique blend of cultures. Everywhere there are different hints of cultures: French, Spanish, African, Cuban, Carribean, Irish, Puerto Rican, and more. It is quite incredible how this complex web of influences make up New Orleans. It’s apparent that each piece is crucial to what NOLA is today. 

Another unique thing is New Orleans is still transitioning. Hurricane Katrina had a huge impact and created devastating damage to New Orleans and you can still see the effects today. Some structures were left abandoned, others razed to the ground. We passed by an abandoned parking lot where a Walmart and Sam’s Club used to be. New powerful state of the art tanks that pump water line the highway. All over the city, there are construction efforts for restoring and rebuilding structures and the environment.

This trip was also a reminder that everyday and everywhere we go is a complex web of influences from different places, time periods, and people.

Rich culture, food, music, weather, good company, I mean what more can you ask for?

Nola Charm

I went with two of my design friends (ahem thanks girls for being my personal photographer and videographers). It was a little one-year reunion since graduating from our interior architecture program last year. From the laughs and stories from our Uber drivers to that sweet southern charm of others we have encountered, we were able to get more of a sense of what NOLA is. With the unique boutiques and shops, vibrant art, crafts, talented street performers, it is hard not to get lured into the Big Easy charm. 

It is always challenging to decide when to soak things in, when to capture the moment, and when to share with others. I tried to focus on soaking in or just capturing moments on this trip. Sharing with others while in the company of others is a task we often face. Enjoy the company of those around you and your environment. I can’t wait to show you my experiences, share my recommendations with you. That will come in weeks time. 

I am still figuring it this blog/balance and still have a few Montreal posts ahead, but NOLA posts will be in the pipeworks. 

Four days was a nice way to get a taste of NOLA, but I know I’ll be back. 

Until then,

Take it easy, Big Easy. 

-V