I've never been to New Orleans. Ever since I can remember, I've always wanted to go see the beautiful buildings and gardens while touring museums and reading about the city's rich history.Ok, who am I kidding...I wanted to go there to party in a town where you can walk around with booze in your hand!
Well, since I don't drink and am far (not THAT far) from being 21, I actually did enjoy the buildings and gardens. These days, I can find plenty of entertainment sitting on a bench in the middle of a square and watch people. In fact, that is exactly what I did.
When Max and I approached the city, I saw the destruction that Katrina left behind. It was extremely emotional to see the boarded up houses and remembering all that had happened while most of us watched it on television. I remember being glued to the television watching the aftermath unfold. Even weeks after, I couldn't stop watching and hearing all of the personal stories of loss.
I didn't want to take photographs of the devastation that still shows in this city. Instead, I tried to capture the life that will always remain New Orleans...the people.For a day, I visited the garden district and the French Quarter. I enjoyed looking at the buildings, listening to the street music, watching artists paint and soaking up the energy of the city.
If you've never been, New Orleans is like no other. It is worth the stop. Here are some of the things that caught my eye.
I came to the city with a sense of sadness and left with a lot of hope...and a parking ticket.
To see more images from New Orleans, click HERE
