While in
I plan to evaluate everything I’ve learned by reflecting on the encounters I’ve had since May 11, which now seems so long ago. Everyone I’ve met has made a positive impact on my relationship with the city: our crew of nine students and one instructor; Cindy - our tour guide; Kyle Saari - the wetlands guru; Macon Fry - the Garden Guy; Jorge - the farmer with unique techniques; Dr. Pani Kolb - a local who knows EVERYTHING about the city; Bruce - the Lucky Dog vendor; Kim - the barista at CC’s and our connection to the internet; Feather and Willow - the family fighting hard times with the support of the community; the playwright and cast of Shotgun; the residents of St Margaret’s Nursing Home - especially Richie Montagut; Dr. Stewart and her daughter - natives of New Orleans; Marisa, Kate, Pat, Steve, Dave, and Reggie – the crew at Rebuilding Together New Orleans; Elizabeth Brown – a very brave soul who biked from Chicago to New Orleans; and many others who, just by living and breathing in the city, have shown me one of the best places to laissez le bon temps roullez!
Following the Times-Picayune has helped me understand the local scene, from special events, to the political battles, to the tragic car crashes on Lake Pontartrain Causeway. One of the most exciting new stories in the paper this week was the fight for and victory of hosting the Super Bowl for the 2013 season.
A story released Wednesday highlighted a potential movie about an ex-Marine, John Keller who “rescued 244 of his neighbors at the American Can Company apartment complex in Mid-City and emerged as one of the memorable heroes of Hurricane Katrina.” The story explained the emotional toll the movie will have on Keller: "I wasn't in it for the money," he said. "But I was able to affect so many people. It wasn't just the people I got out of the building but everybody who valued those people, too."
Reading the area news gave us yet another opportunity to see the city through the eyes of locals.
Mollie,
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to include the link to one of the stories you mention. Go back to the Johari window tool we used the first day--are you now a local, an outsider, a mix? I want to discuss this question with the larger group at dinner this evening.
DB