Wow! The only word that can describe this very long but exciting day! We’ve been here less than 12 hours, but I feel I have experienced so much. From trying alligator(!!!) to enjoying some local jazz with the rest of the class; this trip definitely has avenues of new opportunities that I’m so excited to take part in.
Day 1:Done!
I am so excited to get to New Orleans. I have never been to the south and I have spent very little time outside of the western states. I want to see all the green plants and the alligators. I have lived in the California drought as long as I can remember so green plants are not something I am used to. I am used to woody plants with thick waxy leaves. I am also curious about the ocean. I heard that there are not as many waves in the Gulf of Mexico. As a surfer, this thought disturbs me. I can’t imagine the ocean without huge waves and surfers. What do people do in water without waves? I am also used to beaches with steep cliffs and obvious tectonic uplift. The city of New Orleans only lies a few feet above sea level, so I imagine the beaches would be a soft slope. I am most excited to learn about the culture and music. I love to learn about the different ways people see things. My roommates are psychology, anthropology, art, communications, and political science majors and we are constantly talking about the new things we are learning about. This gives me a more diverse perspective than if I lived with only science majors. I am always looking for differences in the ways people, speak, interact with each other, read nonverbal cues, and stand. I am also interested in seeing how California, as a coastal state can learn from Louisiana and vice versa.
All things went surprisingly smooth with this mornings departure from campus and arrival at LAX for our flight to NOLA. Hmmmm…something seems amiss.
We also have discovered a new airport waiting game: guess who has had swine flu…and guess who has had Ebola!
Today is finally the day! As I type this at 3am there are all sorts of emotions going on. The excitement is taking over the feeling of not getting much sleep, which I’m hoping will last me.
I’m excited to start this adventure! I have never been to New Orleans, or anywhere in the South. I have heard so many amazing things about the culture, the food and jazz music, and can’t wait to witness it myself. I’m particularly interested in seeing how hurricane Katrina affected the environment, and learning what we can do to help!
