Preparations and Expectations!

As I lay in my bed I realize that in just a few short days I will finally be in New Orleans! While I am excited, I am also unprepared at the moment. My suitcase currently sits empty in the corner of my room due to my recently busy schedule and of course, procrastination.  I am definitely a person who over packs, and knowing I have limited space in my suit case means I definitely need to prioritize my "need to bring" items, over my "want to bring" items. Of course hygiene products such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, tooth brush and tooth paste are a must. I have recently purchased a travel set of these items for the trip which also saves me room in my suit case since they are travel size. In addition to these items,  I know I do need to pack for the class itself. I plan to bring my laptop and charger so that I am able to work on my daily blogs for the class, as well as keep everyone updated on my amazing adventure! To make sure I don't forget anything, I plan to make a very detailed list of my must needs for traveling for this week trip. (I will post a list once its made!) Though I am excited I am sad I have to leave behind my my family and my Bengal cat Rizzo for a whole week. I have a big family with many little siblings and I rarely go away without them, so it feels weird knowing they aren't coming with me. My mom will be making sure Rizzo is fed and watered while I'm away, so I know he will be well taken care of. He's too cute to not show a picture of him so I posted one just below. As for work, I've taken off the days I'll be gone way ahead of time to ensure I didn't get scheduled. When thinking of what I want to wear I had to take in consideration of the weather. I have checked the weather for New Orleans numerous times within this past week. Although the high will most likely be in the mid 50s, I am relieved to be in better weather than what my home town is currently experiencing, which is currently -1 degrees with a few inches of snow on the ground. I am totally ready for this snow to be gone and higher temps! Back to the clothing, I know I need to pack for comfort as we are going to be doing lots of moving around, but it doesn't hurt to pack some cute outfits as well. However, comfortable shoes are a must for this trip! As for my research for this class, I feel like its finally coming all together for me, and all that's left it to combine my information and findings, with my group to complete our travel guide. I feel like I definitely procrastinated at first with Christmas coming and going, and picking up more hours at work to have as much funds as possible for this trip. Eventually I was able to put in the time and find some really cool pictures and information on catastrophes that have occurred in New Orleans such as hurricane Katrina. Now that the "hard part" is out of the way I am so ready for the fun part of this class, and the many adventures to come. I may not be prepared packing wise (yet), but mentally I am ready for New Orleans!

Rizzo

No one loves sitting in a class room being lectured to for hours, while sitting at a desk in a, not so comfortable, chair. Especially if the class takes place over winter break when its our time as students to relax. So why take a class during winter break? My reason for taking this class was not only because I need an upper gen eds but because it is a learning experience that you just don't get in the class room. I learn the best by experiencing things hands on and visually. Instead of hearing about New Orleans and what the city has to offer I get to see it for myself. Now I think that's a pretty good reason to take a class over break. I have to say, I have always wanted to visit New Orleans, especially because I have family who live close by the city. When I think of New Orleans I think of bright colors, festive music, and great food. Due to this being my first time visiting I have high expectations. I can't wait to experience everything the city has to offer. From the food to the music, to the many sights! There's so much I want to do and see I just hope I have time to do it all. Honestly I expect this course to be full of adventures as well as lots of knowledge on the history and culture there is in New Orleans. I love food and I am willing to try almost anything, so I would have to say the cuisine tour is one of the many things I'm looking forward to the most. I hope it all lives up to my expectations. I am also really excited for the ghost tour. It's something I think will be really interesting especially knowing that NOLA has a big past, and I also don't mind getting a little spooked. But of course, I'm also excited to hear all the unique music and to take a walk down bourbon street. I haven't heard the best things about bourbon street but I'm all for the experience. I think my goal for this trip is to try new things, including foods, as well as experiences. I am very excited for the train ride because I have only experienced taking a train a couple of times in my life and both were less than an hour ride. I'm hoping I am able to sleep on the train because that is something I have never had to do. I think this trip over all will be a blast! Especially because I know I'll have a few friends to experience it with. What I hope to get out of this class is knowledge, and adventure. By going to the city I am already doing something I haven't done before. I know there are many types of music, and cultures so I would really like to open myself up to new things. I'm also hoping to bring back some souvenirs so that the rest of my family can also have a little piece of New Orleans. So stayed tuned to hear more on my adventures!

 

Don't let this suitcase fool you, its actually empty