Getting to Know New Orleans a Little Better

Have you ever been to a city that mystified you and welcomed you, all at once? That’s how New Orleans feels to me. I was lucky enough to spend a day there in 2020 just before the world shut down, but one day isn’t nearly long enough to explore this vibrant city. Honestly, a month probably isn’t long enough. There’s so much history, culture, and flavor in NOLA.

I was fortunate enough to attend a speakers conference in February 2021 in the Big Easy. The French Quarter certainly wasn’t as lively as the year before, but it was nice to be outside again, among other people. Walking down Bourbon Street did remind me of how desolate my own city had been looking. If Las Vegas and New Orleans could change so drastically, I can only imagine the rest of the world.

We’re going to focus on the positive aspects, though. First, the speaker’s conference was amazing. I was not aware that I was going to actually be speaking when I accepted the invitation to go. That, in itself, was an incredible experience. I learned so much and met some amazing people. Doors opened, if only slightly, that I never even considered existing before.

A friend of mine was presenting at the conference. I agreed to attend, more so to support her and explore the city. Afterall, one of my new outlooks is to say, “YES,” when opportunities present themselves that align with my passions, goals, dreams, and desires.

Upon arriving at the conference, I was told that I would be on stage presenting a five-minute talk by the end of the event. I laughed. Not me!

However, I did just that. And more. During the day I sat in the conference and learned. I ate lunch with different people from the conference every day. People that I might not cross paths with in other circumstances. At night, we played in the city. Everything from fancy dinners (and ball gowns) to live music to drunken late night meals of shrimp and grits. Every single experience was amazing.

I roomed with a woman I knew casually from a company we both contract with. I had some concerns, as she is devoutly religious, and I am not. I prejudged her that she might be judgmental. Funny how that works, huh?

She is one of the kindest, sweetest people I have ever met in my life. She is firm in her beliefs, but understands that her lifestyle is not for everyone. She’s also one of the least judgmental people I’ve ever met. In turn, I did my best to be mindful and respectful of her beliefs and not cuss or force my worldliness on her. I now consider her a friend and would do nearly anything for her.

The hosts of the event did an amazing job gathering presenters to teach about several different aspects of speaking. The education and information was beyond anything I had even considered. They also had several (optional) events or opportunities planned throughout the short week.

I was “typed” by an image consultant. I found out that my element is FIRE and my colors align with fall colors. I’ll go into more detail about this some other day. Those of us who were typed went on a shopping excursion to the mall to find professional attire, cocktail dresses, ball gowns, or whatever we needed in the new colors we learned suited us best.

One evening, we walked down Bourbon Street a few blocks, then made our way to Saint Louis Street for a private dinner at Antoine’s Restaurant – in ball gowns. We ate a fancy, multi-course dinner in the Rex Room, where Mardi Gras kings have eaten dinner for over 100 years. Our host shared the history of the restaurant, along with notable stories, between our courses. There was a private bar set up. I think my favorite part was when they presented (and lit) the Baked Alaska. The smell, sight, energy of the room, and taste of the dessert was quite an experience. Also, in the spirit of taking in New Olreans’ history, I tried a Sazerac and French 75.

I attended a small gathering/party on another evening in the Hemingway Suite at Hotel Monteleone. It was incredible to be in the same space where he wrote some of his classics. I took the opportunity to sit by the private pool and write a chapter in one of my upcoming novels (Serenity’s Salvation). Perhaps one day my book and photo will be in their author display case.

I spent an extra day in the city after the conference ended for a tour led by the event hosts. We walked around the French Quarter, learning about the history of the city and particular places. We got to try a variety of foods and drinks from iconic places going back over 150 years. (I sipped on a Port of Call monsoon while walking around and was told never drink past the ice, which was only to pace oneself.)

We ended up taking rideshares and trains to various parts of the city, which I couldn’t remember if I tried. One spot was Jack Rose where I got to take a picture with Lil Wayne (well, a portrait of him). I got to look at the city from a variety of rooftops, which were beyond incredible. (There was a lot of great food, alcohol, and amazing company during the journey.)

We ended that last evening watching live entertainment. If you ever get a chance to listen to the Glen David Andrews Band I’d highly recommend it. This was the first live entertainment I got to see since the world shut down, and it was beyond incredible. The men played beautifully and I felt like I got to really experience a part of the local jazz culture in an up close and personal way.

I’ve been able to play in New Orleans three times now, but definitely need to go back again. There’s so very much to do and see and experience there. I’m definitely planning another trip there within the year!