Sara O'Rourke

Singing out for New Orleans



Posted: Tuesday, September 15, 2009

by Sara O'Rourke

The heart of the American south is one of warmth and hospitality. A relaxed pace exudes in the southern life - a slower speech, a less rushed shuffle, a looser grip and more lenient rule. It was this pronounced sigh of ease as well as the bursting creativity that created that connection for me with the wonderful and strong place called New Orleans.

New Orleans, or N'awlins, as the seasoned traveller and southerners refer to it affectionately, was a sleepless hub of happiness. I made sure to stay in an apartment that matched the French architecture of the quarter both inside and out to more intensely immerse myself into the city culture - and living this way was thoroughly enjoyable. And, although my home sat on the skirtline of the discouraged blocks, furthering Louis Armstrong Park, it was the perfect distance away from lively Bourbon Street by night.

By day, the locals were welcoming and eager to discuss the recent and less recent history of their home with us. They were both descriptive and passionate about their stories and shared them without reservation. Even without speaking to the locals directly, the small contact with shop owners and street artists was sufficient to show the chilled out attitude within the city streets.

New Orleans was definitely a city of two faces (at least.) By this, I mean merely that it manages to capture a beautiful and almost delicate atmosphere with the attractive porches, balconies and flora, but as well as this it is a frivolous and R-rated hotspot. The nice thing about this mixture is the fact that it feels like there is absolutely no judgement in the city - each person goes about their own life and does as they please - whatever makes them happy. I leave it down to this feeling to explain why so many people extend their comfort zones and really come out of their shells!

Further to the dark-hour activities, I took a trip to Preservation Hall. In one sentence, it did it's job in 'preserving' music. The setting was idyllic; the walls left to their original appearance and the mellow seating arrangements allowed viewers and music-lovers to really get involved with the music. The band was incredibly talented - this goes without saying - but it was not what they played so much as their expressions during their sets that was amazing. There was something in their eyes that told each and every person in the room that they were committed to their cause and that they loved the city and what it represented.

In short, New Orleans was a pearl - a small and well-rounded gem - not necessarily perfect or regular, but all the while rich in value and doubtless a rarity.

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