New Orleans: A City of Contrasts

It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In the case of New Orleans, Louisiana, this is certainly the case. Fighting her way back from the devastating hurricanes Rita and Katrina, the Crescent City is making great strides towards recovery, mainly through the courage and conviction of her people. Is there still a long way to go? Of course. No city, state, or country easily recovers from such a blow to the very foundations and infrastructure of the society. Are there still homeless and are there still problems? Very definitely.

On a recent visit to this gem of flavorful culture, the sounds of street performers belting out jazz tunes reminiscent of Louis Armstrong (complete with trombone), resonated throughout Jackson Square in front of the awe-inspiring Saint Louis Cathedral. The talented vocalist/trombone player Glen David Andrews graciously sat down for a few minutes and shared his love of New Orleans and his hopeful outlook for the city's quick recovery.

This sentiment was echoed throughout the streets where abandoned buildings still showing water damage stood next to brightly-painted, newly restored buildings filled with people and life.

Contrasts.

"It's going to take a lot more than two pissed-off women named Rita and Katrina to keep us down." This familiar refrain could be heard from elegant plantation to downtown liquor stores. Walking the streets of the historic French Quarter, as beautiful and mysterious today as it ever was, this statement seemed more like a community movement than just an oft-repeated phrase.

Contrary to popular belief, New Orleans is still there. It is still alive, kicking, and one of the most unique places to visit in the United States.