Confidence Check

We arrived in New Orleans after a very long and frankly uncomfortable bus drive.  However, as soon as we pulled into the city and began to see aspects of the city that we’ve been studying all semester, I was overjoyed.  I felt confident about being in the city that I‘ve spent so much time researching and trying to understand.  I figured that after an entire semester, I would be able to navigate around the city with ease based on my familiarity with the local scene.  However, as we drove around last night and soaked up the bright lights of the French Quarter, I realized that my prior knowledge was only going to get me so far.  Although I had spent all of last semester studying New Orleans’ blended European culture, vital infrastructures, and its current post-Katrina status, my image of the city was far different than its actual presentation.  The French Quarter is much larger and much flashier than I had imagined.  The city is also clearly divided into various areas that have a distinct character of their own.  And surprisingly, the history is something that jumps out of its pages and takes on a specific, cultural meaning for every aspect of the city.

I was quite humbled by how little I actually knew.  Although this realization should have taken my confidence down a few levels, it only excited me more.    The differences between my preconceived mental pictures of the city and its actual portrayal taught me that there is only so much understanding that can come from reading a book.  Rather, actual experiences with the city have a much more powerful and accurate meaning.  I have so much to learn about New Orleans simply by being in its presence and soaking up its glory.  There is so much understanding that comes from just simply being in a place, and I’m excited to combine that with the knowledge I’ve accumulated throughout the semester.  I’m looking forward to the next three weeks!