I love this place!
Call it by whatever name you like. Call it “The Big Easy,” Balbancha, La Nouvelle-Orléans, Nueva Orleans, Nawlins, or New Orleans—I don’t care. But be sure to call me when you are planning to visit my favorite city. I’ll join you and carry your bags! Don’t worry. I will think of some excuse, any excuse, to be away from work and visit New Orleans again.
My first visit was in the 1960s. My bride and I honeymooned and delighted in the cityscape during our brief stay. I was back several times in the 1970s attending classes to learn the Assembly Programming Language. Great excuse, huh? Then, I became inventive from the 1980s onward. Finding business reasons to visit during the work week turned out to be a great way to stay for the weekend!
In the 21st Century, I made fond memories during research trips to New Orleans that informed my writing about my native character and her adventures and misadventures. The people of the city welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to “camp” and study at Dillard University, the University of New Orleans, and the Public Libraries of New Orleans and Plaquemine Parish. Oh, don’t get me started on the food! So, what’s not to love?
So, while quarantined, visit New Orleans through these books:
Very New Orleans Celebration History by artist/author Diana Gessler
The Night the War was Lost by Charles L. Dufour
Black New Orleans 1860-1880 by John Blassingame
Short History of New Orleans by Mel Leavitt
BTW, who were the Zephyrs?
Until the next time, do all the good you can for all the people you can.
Bob
