Why I Fell in Love with New Orleans: A Tale of Five Decades
New Orleans is a city that captured my heart from the very first visit. My relationship with the city began with a scholarship and has endured for the past four decades. This article will explore the reasons why New Orleans holds such a special place in my life.
Opportunity and Adventure
My journey to New Orleans started with a scholarship from Tulane University. It was a significant turning point in my life as I applied to several graduate schools. Tulane offered me an exceptional subsidy, which piqued my interest. Knowing a cousin living in the city, I packed my belongings in the back of a Datsun 210 and embarked on a journey south.
The car lacked air conditioning and had a black leather interior, making the journey quite uncomfortable. Upon arrival, my cousin provided temporary accommodation and introduced me to the vibrant city life. We visited Pat O'Brien's, a famous New Orleans bar, where I had my first hurricane. The experience was fateful. Although I don't remember much after that night, I was enchanted by the city#39;s charm.
Life and Friends in the Big Easy
I returned to the city to continue my education and stay for three more years after graduation. New Orleans became more than just a place of study; it became my home away from home. I often visited the city, and the memories and experiences remain deeply ingrained in my heart. I retain the sweet taste of the hurricane and the vibrant atmosphere that still captivates me.
A Love at First Visit
During the mid-1980s, my life in New Orleans took a new turn. My wife and I attended the National Association of Music Merchants trade show, and we fell in love with the city. A few years later, I started teaching at Tulane University in their Adult Education Program. This job required multiple trips to the city, which eventually led to a permanent apartment. Over time, we built a network of friends and deepened our connection to the city, realizing we had more friends in New Orleans than in our hometown.
The Allure of New Orleans
The city's charm is in its {food}, the {cool people}, the {party atmosphere}, the {arts}, the {Audubon Park}, the {music}, the {river}, and its relaxed lifestyle. My wife and I were particularly drawn to the vibrant nightlife and the cultural richness of the city. Audubon Park and the Mississippi River provided incredible natural scenery, and the French Quarter was a hub of activity, with its incredible architecture and historical significance.
Bread Pudding: A Culinary Encounter
In the fall of 1977, I interviewed for a position at Shell Oil. The city's hospitality was evident from the very first moment. My host, A.J., met me at the historic Le Pavilion, a luxury hotel that immediately reminded me of my modest college budget. We had dinner at Brennan's and enjoyed a chocolate cake that left a lasting impression. The next day, we had a series of interviews. Over lunch at the Bon Ton Café, I experienced bread pudding for the first time, and it was nothing short of a culinary revelation.
Bread pudding at the Bon Ton Café was made from stale French bread, soaked in a mixture of butter, spices, and whiskey. The dessert was served with a hard whiskey sauce that was truly heavenly. The unique combination of flavors and textures was unlike any I had tried before. The Bon Ton's bread pudding was a testament to the city's culinary excellence and a strong factor in my decision to move to New Orleans permanently.
Concluding Thoughts
New Orleans has been more than just a city for me. It has been a home, a place where I encountered my soul, and a city that has left an indelible mark on my life. Whether it's the vibrant culture, the rich history, or the culinary delights, New Orleans remains a city that I love and visit often. For me, it's not just a city; it's a place of memory, friendship, and endless possibilities.