I looked forward to visiting New Orleans a great deal. It is a city my family speaks of with reverence, in particular my grandmother whose kin hailed from Nawlins. I had never been, and knew only to expect great food, colorful people and a distinctive atmosphere. Before we even arrived at Wonderland, the urban landscape distinguished itself from other major cities with it's heavily battered roads and neighborhoods adjacent to epic high ceilinged manses with ornate columned porches . It's been 10 years since Hurricane Katrina, but the physical and emotional scars are still present. Despite that, the whole city pulsates with a singular energy. The cajun flavor of the locals interspersed with the constant trickle of tourists creates a simmering gumbo of vivacious culture, with abundant incredible music and delicious cooking.
We spent three weeks here, walking, biking and driving around it's uneven streets as far as they would take us. I developed an affinity for Piety Wharf a few blocks from Wonderland and would spend mornings and afternoons there journaling and thinking while I watched the boats drift round the bend of the Mississippi River in front of Downtown. Torrential downpours of rain and wind drove us to retreat into our shed, as well as a few nights of annually swarming termites. We attended crawfish boils, live music performances, explored museums and ventured out into the swamps and bayous. If I ever am in the position to eat and drink myself to death, I will choose New Orleans. I didn't have a bad meal and I only began to scratch the surface. Hopefully the city is able to persevere, as Ron the carpenter who worked frequently at Wonderland told us that even he fears the city will eventually be underwater. I would love to be back before that happens.
- Anthony Mayes -