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Bullet’s

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Lauren Wilson

“It doesn’t look like it’s bumpin’ just yet,” Dr. Anderson mumbled to himself as we pulled in to park, in what looked like a regular residential neighborhood. On the corner stood a triangle building, a charming host, a security guard, and some friendly locals, mingling and waiting for the entertainment to begin.

We got comfortable for what couldn’t have been more than fifteen minuntes as exceedingly friendly waitresses greeted us and surrounding tables shared friendly smiles. Then, the all-female brass band took the stage. A woman tested the comfort of her sousaphone, another her alto sax, a trumpet, a keyboard, and drums took the stage to play local favorites. Right away, the CSUCI students sprinted to the front to start the dancing. They danced all the way through the set, befriending audience members as the crowded seemed to quadruple within a few performances.

It was a quick visit, but a great way to end the night, after a long day including a levee failure tour, and exploring the French Quarter and its rich history. Exhausted, we take to bed, and anticipate another early day tomorrow.

First glimpse of French Quarter!

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Juliana Perez

French quarter was amazing, to say the least. I’ll never forget walking out of the New Orleans history museum and straight  into an audience. Everyone had circled around a band, playing jazz and some blues.

NOLA: Night 1: What I hope to get out of this trip

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Jamie Masukawa

We landed in New Orleans. By the time we got into the rental van and on the road it was dark and disorienting. I’m excited to see New Orleans in the day time. I look forward to Field Work and I.D.ing plants and contributing to the existing data set. I’m also excited to listen to local jazz artists & experience all the sights, sounds & tastes of this incredibly culturally rich city. I hope to talk to locals about what it’s like to live here and their experiences. I know I’ll walk more informed, humbled, and proud of the work my group and I did. 

Now for some dinner at Brick Oven Cafe…

Trip Expectations!

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Juliana Perez

I am beyond excited to travel to New Orleans. I’m looking forward to meeting the locals and seeing how different the culture is. I have never been to Louisiana, so having the opportunity to attend this trip is a wonderful privilege. I can’t wait to get out and explore New Orleans!

Pre-Trip Thoughts!

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Daniella Caccavalla

I’ve heard so much about this trip from friends that have gone before and I’m stoked to finally go! My favorite thing about the ESRM department is that we get to travel to places far and near but we also make our trips meaningful. I’m excited to see the culture in NOLA and learn as much as I can about the different lifestyles people live.! 

Trip Expectations

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Alexis Marquez

Before I embark on this experience to New Orleans I have thought a lot about what I expect to get out of this. For starters, my goal is to just make a difference within the environment and society. If I can help at least one person directly while I’m in New Orleans then that would bring an immense amount of joy to me. Another thing I want to do is to be able to see how different their niche is both from a sociological and environmental standpoint. I’m even curious how their ecosystem system is. I am not an ESRM student but I am excited to put myself in a different standpoint. Addendum, I am really intrigued to see how all the concepts we learned in class come to life when we attend this trip. It isn’t often that we (the students) get to take the information/concepts we are taught in these books and powerpoints while being able to apply them in a real life.

Lists

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Lauren Wilson

I’ve got two lists – one “to bring” list, and one list of names, the names of people for whom I can definitely not fail to buy souvenirs.

A death/skull themed gift for Professor Olsthoorn, the osteologist.
A portrait of Mistress Marie Laveau – the voodoo queen – for my mentor, a French historian.
A mask for my mom, since she’s brought so many home for me over the years.
My dad is a drummer. I’m sure I can find something, what with the jazz and all.
Something for my boyfriend… probably a beer coozie and a shot glass.
The list keeps getting longer. I hope New Orleans has some good clearance bins.

I’ve hardly slept this week, haven’t packed, have worked almost every day after school but won’t get my paycheck until next Thursday. At least I got my laundry done, and the only homework I need to complete is an essay on Women & Gender in History.

I’m saying all this because this is what I’ve done in the time I’ve waited for this trip to come. I may not be packed, but I’ve been so very ready for days now. I’m ready to get dirty, sweat, possibly faint. I’m ready to probably cry. I’m anxious to finally know, in person, a culture I’ve been obsessed with for years. To hear, in person, jazz around which I’ve formed a musical identity as a singer, flute player, and occasional desk drummer. To taste, finally, the shellfish, beignets, alligator, gumbo, and jambalaya I’ve only attempted to recreate in my tiny apartment kitchens. Well, except for the alligator…

As an anthropologist, I’m ecstatic. As a foodie, I’m hungry. As a musician, I’m anxious – in the toe tapping sense of the word. As a historian, I’m honored. As a student, I’m ready for the challenge.

My excitement for New Orleans

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Aryana Moore

Going on this trip seems like a dream come true and I still can’t believe that tomorrow, at this time, I will be on a plane heading to New Orleans! I am so excited to meet new people, hear their stories, be apart of their culture, and just get my hands down and dirty working hard to make a difference. This trip is going to be an adventure of a life time and I feel so lucky to be apart of such an amazing school and major that provides these opportunities!

Pre-trip thoughts… how to even gauge?

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Jeyla Fendi

Quite honestly I feel like I do and do not know what to expect out of this trip. There are a few things that I’m ready to embrace, those of which are commonly heard of from previous trip goers:

  • Be prepared to get REAL grimy
  • Working long hours to the point where theres no room for exhaustion
  • Having swamp memories with classmates
  • Probably humid… maybe hot? Wet?? Other textures?
  • Gloomy days most likely
  • Jazz scene till the sunrise!
  • Eating 50 pieces of fried chicken…. (We don’t even HAVE dat many!)

But in reality, I really don’t know what to expect. It’s strange. I’ve had this feeling before with two other trips, just simply because I do not know how to picture Louisiana or how it will all go down. The feeling was the same when I went to Japan, and also Portland. All I know, is that I hope it leaves a lasting impression for the next 10 years.

I have three goals for this trip, 1.) Learn to identify almost all the plants we encounter by heart, 2.) Eat my first ever po’boy (or gator) 3.) Sing an entire song from our NOLA playlist with everyone on the bus. With EMOTION.

I feel like if I stick to these goals, I will not be let down. I also am excited to bond with all of my ladies, and Hayden. The next 10 days will be the sweet and dirty restoration life… Bring it on!