I Got the Blues for New Orleans
Posted from Camarillo, California, United States.
The 10 days that were spent in New Orleans were nothing but good times, with great people. Unfortunately it has been 4 days since I was last in NOLA and I will cherish every minute that I had there. From Jackson Square in the French quarter where you could walk for days looking at all the art and listening to the unique cultural music that is played there. To the swamp wetlands were we did our research laying out transects and identifying plant species to identify the health of the swamp ecosystem.
The culture that NOLA brings the United States is a unique one. Filled with people from all different origins. The food which is spicier then I was expecting is only unique to the New Orleans area. From the Po-boys to the crayfish boil that we had. The food in New Orleans will give any traveler the spicy kick they are needing to experience NOLA. Another important aspect to the city life is the music. John Boetta and Irvin Mayfield showed us what it really means to be from NOLA. As they played there music from the soul and sung out what they have experienced through the years of living in NOLA.
From the city to the swamps the experience was amazing. Sean Anderson worked us hard in the swamps. Cutting down blackberry and identifying every plant in each little transect. After days of doing this in combination with sleep deprivation. I realized that what I was doing for NOLA was crucial to keeping this city alive. We the students of CSUCI are one of few groups that are actively monitoring swamplands since Hurricane Katrina. Understanding the health of the swamps is key as these swamps are the last natural buffer to prevent natural disasters from destroying human life in NOLA. The people of New Orleans were all very thankful for what we did and that touched the deepest parts of my health. Knowing that what we did over our spring break can and will save potentially the city of NOLA and many other people in the surrounding areas. I would go back and do it all over again because it was the most rewarding experience I have had in my college life.
Thank you Sean Anderson for bringing me along on this fun adventure and introducing me to everyone that you knew in NOLA. This trip was honestly a fun and memorable service learning experience.
CORNBREAD
ERIK STOREY
