Experiencing Culture - First full day in New Orleans

Outer Journey- This morning I woke up ready as ever to start my day. I started my morning off learning about religion by visiting the St. Louis Cathedral. As I walked into the church I was at a lost for words. The St. Louis Cathedral was a tall white colored structure and inside were elegant paintings on the ceiling. I couldn't help but notice all the details surrounding me. From the rows of different colored flags hanging, to the detailed paintings on the ceiling, this place was simply gorgeous. I have to admit visiting here was one of my favorite things of the day just because it was such a pretty sight. After leaving the Cathedral we went on to the Old Ursuline Convent. I got to hear lots of the history behind the building and the nuns who once lived there. The church attached to the building was stunning. The alter was sparkling and shining with gold and diamonds all over it.

After the touring the history of New Orleans through architecture, we took a tour on the culture aspect by doing a cuisine tour! Food in this city is a big deal to all the locals, and all the dishes we got to taste came from different cultures. Our first stop we tasted beef brisket Po-boys. The smell was appetizing, and made my mouth water. When I took my first bite I was hit by a strong kick of the special sauce used to give the po-boys some flavor. The meat was delicious, but the sauce was just a little too much for me. We then went from there to a few other stops trying everything from sea food gumbo to even turtle soup! Every place we went I was hit by a delicious smell that would just make my mouth water. I recommend taking a food tour to anyone who is coming to the city for their first time!

Ceiling at The St. Louis Cathedral

Front of the St. Louis Cathedral

Inside the Cathedral

The row of flags down the aisle of the Cathedral

Inner Journey- I found it interesting that the city of New Orleans started off with everyone practicing Catholic religion, to eventually expanding to the many religions they practice now. I was surprised to learn that even the slaves were Catholic, and were also allowed to be baptized in the Cathedral. It just amazes me at how much the city has grown over time. Something I never really knew until today is that New Orleans back in the day was just a big mixing pot. So many cultures and back grounds have made this city what it is today. I personally love that there is a little bit of french architecture mixed in with some Spanish architecture through out the city.

When visiting the Old Ursuline Convent, we heard a story about the great fire that burned down a big part of the city. Long story short this building didn't burn down because the wind had shifted causing the fire to go the opposite way. It was said to have done this because the nuns who lived there had prayed that it wouldn't catch fire. I found this really fascinating just because I am religious, and do believe in the power of prayer. I pray anytime a friend or family member is going through a difficult time or situation and I pray when I am going through hard times, even if its just a test. Hearing miracles like this one is what strengthens my beliefs. I'm not sure if the story we were told is true or just an old wise tale, but either way I believe it.

The church attached to the the building was stunning, and I couldn't help but noticed all the gold and diamonds that made up the church. We were told that the gold and diamonds came from people who lived in the city that willing gave the church their valuable items to help make up the alter in the church. I thought this was really unique, and spoke very highly of the people of New Orleans. I couldn't help but think how cool it would be to say "My earrings are in this alter". It also showed how much the people valued their church and religion by giving up something valuable. I think in today's society not many people would do this because we do live in a world where people are very materialistic and don't want to give up things like gold and diamonds no matter who its going to.

I found the cuisine tour really interesting and I learned more than I thought I would just by trying foods. We were able to taste many dishes from many other cultures that made up New Orleans. I thought it was really neat that we got to try so many different things that I normally wouldn't eat. It really gave me an insight on cultures through a different way other than just hearing about it. I would have to say the beans and rice was my favorite dish on the tour. It was something I would normally eat back home, yet it was prepared differently. It reminded me of home which I cant help but miss. This trip has been amazing and I'm so grateful for this experience, but I really miss my family and boyfriend. I'm going to make the most of my time left though! I'm also really looking forward to the Hurricane Katrina museum, so stayed tuned to hear more!