Flashback Friday - The Big Easy

One of the best perks of my career in the airline industry was, of course, the travel (God knows it wasn't the pay!) I was lucky enough to fall in with a group of like-minded co-workers who also wanted nothing more than to hop the next plane to anywhere. We became a close-knit group and over the years, we made our way all around the world. There were mishaps, laughter, long days in airports as we got "bumped" off flight after flight (that's how it goes when you fly standby) lazy poolside days, trekking through jungles, questionable hotels and of course, lots of drinks and shopping. And drinks.

We discovered the New Orleans Jazz Festival in the early 90's and for several years, we were hooked. Held in April/May of each year at the New Orleans Fairgrounds,  Jazz Fest brings artists from all over the globe, creating a concert venue that offers something for everyone. From country to hip-hop to, of course, amazing jazz and zydeco music, it's an event not to be missed. We started going because it was an inexpensive and fun way to see a variety of musicians perform, but we also fell deeply in love with the city itself. 

New Orleans, AKA The Big Easy or NOLA, is a beautiful blend of both old and new, relaxed and busy, slow days and wild nights. Founded in 1718 by the French and ceded to the Spanish in 1763, the influence of both countries still remains in the architecture and style. Long considered the birthplace of Jazz, you can find amazing music literally on every corner and the food....oh, the food. Places like Cafe Du Monde for beignets and cafe au lait, or Mother's for a shrimp po'boy, there's really nothing like it!

Well-known Bourbon Street is where the party's at, and it's the perfect place to let your hair down and get crazy, because the stranger right beside you is likely to be acting even crazier!

 

 

Being young and poor, we usually stayed at a Rodeway Inn near the Superdome. All in one room, and usually in one bed.

We didn't care, we always felt like we weren't spending time in a hotel except to sleep so why spend money on two rooms, lol! I have no idea what the area is like today, but this was not an up-and-coming neighborhood when we stayed there, in fact it was decidedly...sketchy. Surprisingly, we never had a bit of trouble and never encountered anything but friendly, helpful people. I think it says a lot about a city when several young women are able to tread safely through it, even when they wander into parts of town that are less than stellar. 

Back in the 90's, Jazz Fest was a smaller event than it is today. It cost less than $50 for a three-day pass and we took a bus to the fairgrounds, where we spent the whole day going from concert to concert, eating, drinking and dancing to Zydeco, a music that evolved from the French Creole influence and is a blend of blues and Creole that makes you feel the need to get up and move. Zydeco dance is similar to a western two-step, except it is faster and more intricate. If you can't move with it, you'll be left behind quick.

 

Aside from the dancing and concerts, we spent our days trying to stay dry (there can be some hellacious storms in NOLA in the spring) or baking in the sun. 

 

 

And we had to drink a lot of beer. I mean, we really had to, it was hot out! 

When we weren't jazzin' it up, we were busy exploring other parts of the city. We did a spooky graveyard tour (during the day, because there was no way I was going into a cemetery at night!) and I got to see the mausoleum of Marie Leveau. I've always been a little bit fascinated by things like voodoo, palm readers, all that mystical magical (and a little bit scary) stuff, so seeing the site where she was laid to rest was a really cool and unforgettable moment for me!

 

We also did a bayou tour one year, which took us deep into the swampy depths of Louisiana, circled by 'gators and making the city feel very distant, a completely different landscape.

 

 

We went back to the Big Easy again and again, several years in a row. We swore that no matter what, we'd always do Jazz Fest. Sadly, life got in the way of that and once we started marrying, having kids and becoming busy with the daily grind, we weren't able to keep that promise we made to ourselves and each other. I haven't seen the city in more than 20 years, and I'm sure it's different now. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, I wasn't even sure I could bring myself to go back. Watching the news and seeing some of our favorite places destroyed and seeing the good people of Louisiana suffering, broke my heart. But the strength and perseverance that I knew was the soul of the city remained, and it has slowly rebuilt itself and continues to grow and thrive.

Life hasn't gotten less busy for me and my friends, but we've maintained our close ties and we do still try to coordinate a yearly "girls trip" to explore different places. I feel so lucky to have a group of friends like this! We're thinking we might need to finally journey back to our beloved New Orleans. Just like all of us, I'm sure it's changed a lot, but I imagine the deepest things that make it magical remain. Just like all of us.

While there's nothing like those crazy travel adventures of one's younger years, it's never too late to get out and see the world. You can find your way back to the much loved places of your past, or step out into a brave new future. All you need to do is open that door, get out there, and jazz things up a bit. You never know what kind of voodoo magic might find you!