I love New Orleans, the “Big Easy.” We happened to be there New Year’s Eve for the Sugar Bowl football game. My husband and I were also celebrating our anniversary as it was where we had our Honeymoon 33 years prior. We had excellent reservations at two reputable restaurants and good tickets for the game at the Superdome. A hometown young man was quarterback for Notre Dame and we wanted to participate in all the JOIE DE VIVRE! 🥳

If you have not experienced New Orleans, you might not grasp how unique a place this is. History and cultures blend seamlessly to generate their own. The food is out of this world with a blend of much that interfaces to create arguably the finest food on the planet. I am not a “foodie” and I think I had some of the best wagyu of my life at Herbsaint Restaurant, “the Jewel of the South.” We also went to my husband’s grandfather’s favorite, Galatoires, New Years Eve. Who would have thought 8 hours later tragedy would strike outside this legendary establishment in the heart of the French Quarter?

The Jazz music, chill vibe, assortment of specialty shops, and innumerable bars and restaurants ensure a place for everyone. Something spectacular is spontaneously meeting strangers and striking up colorful conversation over a crafted cocktail. We met so many wonderful people that way- including a set of Notre Dame football parents at our hotel pool.

The Mississippi River flows along the city banks and you can hear steamboat horns and trains regularly. My husband prefers a view of the river to recall his other grandfather’s sayings since he worked along it as a Merchant Marine. Our children loved coming to the Aquarium and zoo here many times. You could say I have a sentimental sense of connection to this special place that one man’s actions will not change.

The Joy of living, or “Joie de Vivre,” has not been lost despite hurricane after hurricane, flooding, the ruthlessness of the pandemic, and now terrorism at its epicenter. No, New Orleans will not be defeated. Families and friends celebrating, and joyous occasions are still yet to be had.

I would like to add that all law enforcement were exemplary maintaining order and calming nerves as they got their investigation concluded and determined the Sugar Bowl would be played one day later. We decided to stay and attend in solidarity with others against the evil that was intended to instill fear. And our hometown player won!

Yes, we will be back soon. New Orleans, thank you for all the extraordinary experiences we have had…so far. 😉