As I sit here on the train home from New Orleans, I am
reflecting on the incredible journey I have experienced. I met so many amazing people,
saw a large part of history, and was exposed to an incredible environment what
will have an everlasting impact on my life and nursing practice. In New
Orleans, I felt nothing but love and passion, passion for the city and passion
for my life goals. The people around me influenced me to chase my dreams and
continue to seek my individuality. Seeing everyone, so happy and expressive was
so incredible and I will never forget this city.
It is so hard to pick one singular place that is my favorite
in this city. Walking around figuring out where to take a selfie of my favorite
place was not an easy task. I finally assumed I would walk to a voodoo shop and
take a picture under the sign, which I did. We walked toward Voodoo Authentica,
and of course had to go in and explore another time. I spent at least an hour
in this store, looking at all the various dolls, oils, incents, and other memorabilia.
Unfortunately I could not take any pictures in the store, otherwise I would
have included them as well. Ive never understood why I was so fascinated with
the voodoo culture. I was always the weird kids that loved skulls and loved to
learn about other religions. I believed voodoo to be witch craft, and as I got
older, I researched more. My ignorance led me to be passionate about exploring
other religions. As a Christian, it was amazing to learn the similarities
between my religion and that of a voodoo priest. We walked around for a while,
took my photo, and then went on our way. I figured I was done for the day,
finished my final assignment and it was easy as that. As we were walking back towards
our hotel, I saw another street performing group. We figured it was our last
day, so we should stop and enjoy the music while we had a chance.
This was not a big group performance; no drums, tuba,
trombones, or string instruments. We saw a man, sitting my himself polishing
his trumpet. He asked if we were going to stick around for some good music, and
I said of course. We passed up all the big bands to sit and see what this man
was going to do. We visited with him for a while, and he was one of the
sweetest people I have ever met. He played his trumpet with so much soul, which
was incredible. He would stop playing and sing, then go right back to playing.
He never said a word about money, never mentioned to drop something in his
bucket. I see no problem with doing so, because this is how these people make their
money. However, he never did this. He simply wanted to play and enjoy the
people around him. My friends and I were the only ones watching him, and then
suddenly a large crowd was surrounding him. People kept coming up and giving
him money, enjoying his wonderful music. His voice was so incredible and
moving, that I didn’t want to leave. I got up to leave and dropped some money
in his trumpet case. He said “do you want to take a picture with me” as if he
knew that was my project. I took one with him, because it seemed as if fate had
occurred. This was just proof that Jackson Square will forever be my favorite
location in New Orleans.
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