Outer:
I
had a lot of fun today exploring the city in my own way. First, and probably
most important, we slept in and had breakfast! Sleeping in gave us some much
needed energy to explore. As our group did our e-travel guide about architecture,
we decided to go visit the Garden District. We went to one of the main streets
called Magazine. I was expecting it to be touristy and full of street music
like the French Quarter. However, I was wrong. The streets were full of cars,
and the sidewalks did not have crowds of people. It was more laid back and less
busy. The sun was shining on our face and the breeze was gone. It was a
beautiful afternoon to walk around and enjoy the city. We walked around from
shop to shop and just had a relaxing afternoon shopping.
I
stopped at a coffee shop and knew it would a good one when the smell of coffee
hit my nose. This shop was plain and clean. The walls where a light grey with a
few shelves on the wall with green succulents. There were mirrors on the wall
opposite of the windows to reflect the light and make it bright and airy, much
different than dark coffee shops that I am used to back home. I knew it wasn’t a
franchise place because there was nothing for sale. Although I have been really
enjoying PJ’s coffee during my time here, to me it reminds me of Starbucks. However,
this place had a completely different atmosphere. The coffee bar was located in
the back of the store, rather than hitting your face when you walk in. This
gave it a calming atmosphere. I walked past numerous tables and chairs that
were plain white and simple design. As I approached the counter I was met by
another reminder that this is nothing like Starbucks. The man behind the
counter had long brown hair pulled back in a ponytail, and he was not wearing a
uniform. He greeted me as I looked at the menu. Although I typically only get
one drink, I still look to see what places had. This shop had the menu written
on a chalk board with only about 10 items. To me, this is also a good sign. It
makes me think that the place mastered its trade and they were good with it. As
I took my first sip, I decided this was the best cup of coffee I have ever had.
I sat there for a bit while my friends shopped at the stores that were around
the area. I knew this wasn’t a touristy place when people were coming in and
out and the man behind the counter knew who they were. Also while I was sitting
there I noticed that the music playing in the background was not Jazz. It was
actually more soft rock, or music like I would listen to back home. This was
the final touch that made this atmosphere feel more like a local shop rather
than a touristy destination.
Inner:
Starting
the day today, I was not convinced that I would learn much. However, I feel
that the city spoke to me today through its people. In the Garden District we
were able to meet locals. The first person we met was a nice woman at one of
the clothing shops we were in. She overheard our conversation and she just
jumped right in. She was giving us directions to different places close by that
we should check out. Every person we walked by was saying excuse me, or have a
good day. Even the homeless people asked for money or change and we said no,
they responded with “OK, thank you.” I was comparing this to walking around
Peoria. At home, people barely look up when you walk by, let alone actually say
hello and make you feel like they want to talk to you.
The
next place we encountered this hospitality was at a surprising place. Being on
this trip with my best friends has been the most amazing experience. We have
learned so much about each other and thankfully have grown closer rather than
apart. Today, we decided to go get best friends tattoos. Again, at the tattoo parlor,
I met the most amazing person. Then girl that worked with me helped me place my
new tattoo in a great spot. This process was stressful because its going to be
on me forever. She was very patient with me which I thought was awesome
considering I came in with three other indecisive girls and we were probably
really annoying. I really enjoyed the opportunity to sit for a few minutes with
someone who lives here and has a different culture than I do. She was so
excepting of people and their choices. I found myself wishing there were more
people in the world who had her perspective.
From
my experience today, I have learned that I can sometimes be a judgmental
person. I have always thought of myself as non-judgmental, but after my
experience with the local New Orleans people, I don’t think I give off that
perception to those around me. I felt that when people were talking to me today
and asking me questions they were really wanting to know what I had to say.
They wanted to hear me and learn from what I was saying. Also, they weren’t afraid
to give out complements. If I had a nickel for every time someone told me they
liked the leggings I was wearing and the glitter I had on my face, I would be
rich. There was even one guy that asked for my ring size because he was just
going to propose. I’m going to take always that it’s ok to talk to strangers. This
is how we learn from each other and build our personalities. I’m glad I had
this opportunity and surprised because it’s not what I thought I would learn
today. 
No comments:
Post a Comment