May 11, 2009
We’re in New Orleans and so excited! This trip is especially unique and exciting for Sarah Blake and me because we’ve just finished a semester class on the city of New Orleans. We read countless books set in New Orleans and discussed the idiosyncrasies of the city. During the class we combated common perceptions of the city that had taken root in our minds and in the minds of people we encountered. Through literature, research, and conversations I fell in love with New Orleans. There was only one problem with that. I have never been to New Orleans before this trip.
Now I am here- the city that I have fallen in love with through words. As soon as we drove into the city, I recognized street names, buildings, and other landmarks. The task in front of me now is to replace my imagined city with the real one. For example, this is a city with tall buildings, not a city full two story historical houses. That was my first and most intense realization, though I am sure that there is more coming! These realizations will hopefully increase my love of the city, but even if they don’t, it will be interesting to experience a city in this fashion. Not many people are granted opportunities like this, and I am determined not to take it for granted!
No comments:
Post a Comment