Dearest NOLA,
As promised, here is my reflection of how you awoke my senses over the four days we got to spend together. I remember how you bombarded me with the smell of vegetable oil right out of the gate as we were deplaning. I’ll admit, I’d never experienced that in my previous travels and that was not exactly a great first impression. I wondered if what I’d heard about you was true. Would I leave affirming that you truly were the culinary capital of the world?
I describe you as a fusion between Europe and Africa. You truly are a world of your own. From the random smiles of strangers on the street, people screaming ‘good morning’ to me from their patio (excuse me, am I in Ghana? People don’t greet in this country. Even when they do, they dont exactly wait for your response😌). You’ve truly preserved some great culture that traverses the social construct ‘race’ and I admire that about you!
It took me a second and in fact, a tour to understand why I almost stumbled several times on your walkways that seemed to be interrupted by trees. Yes, I learned that those walkways were truly an afterthought and the asymmetry has and I’d imagine, will continue to be determined by the root growth of the trees. Sounds somewhat environmentally friendly. I’ll remember to keep that perspective in mind the next time I walk those streets.
As I walked around the neighborhoods, I was reminded of where I grew up! I was reminded of Tema! I remembered looking outside at the greens and spotting green mambas! That juggled memory did prolong my route but this is not a complaint. This is to make you aware that you truly were quite engaging.
The history behind your architecture and cemeteries were remarkable indeed! From the shotgun houses with camel backs to spotting Marie Laveau’s, there’s much a tourist can learn about your traditions in a single tour.
I’m not sure if it’s your jazz music or your culinary scene that was my favorite part (you know I struggle to pick between my interests these days). However, the eggplant napoleon, crawfish sauce, carrot soufflé, shrimp and grits, Gumbo…. Need I say again, GUMBO and your matcha beignets…z HEAVEN😍. By far, your most surprising dish, the garlic almond milk soup from Mamou, was the best appetizer I’ve ever had! Periodt! The taste was off the charts — but even better, it did its JOB of WHETTING my appetite!
I’ll recommend Frenchmen Street to any Jazz music lover! I do not think words will be able to describe the experience of ‘auditory simulation shopping’. This is the best phrase I can use to describe it! Thank you NOLA. If God wills it, we’ll meet again! There’s still much to discover about you and I don’t often feel that way about other places🤗.
Sincerely,
Kukua Anthonyin
Hacks of life 