Work trip to the “Big Easy”… Not particularly something I had planned but as the 2017-18 academic year unfolded Janie and I found ourselves headed to attend International Baccalaureate (IB) professional development in the “Pelican State”, Louisiana. School in the day and New Orleans in the off time! Not optimal for travel but at the same time a fun opportunity to see a city that I’ve threatened to visit several times.
An education was definitely in order. I knew with limited time, and obligations during the bulk of the day, I’d need to push through the fluff and plan well. I’m figuring Bourbon St will be fun to see… Once! I know Jazz abounds… But I really “dug” into the net and blogs to see if I could pull out an authentic venue. And to eat? Gumbo, Étouffée, Jambalaya, Muffuletta, Po’boy, and Red Beans & Rice… the seafood seems especially popular! Could be tough on my recent healthy eating kick! I scanned the best of’s and top 10’s in our neighborhood and hoped to sample a variety of what the city offers. Got some excellent tips from friends that have gone before me as well!
Conference accommodations were at the Sheraton New Orleans, located amid the palm trees and street cars on the major Canal St thoroughfare. I enlisted google maps as my main info source for routes, times and costs of nearby attractions. I did a little research on the region too. Lots of history in this part of North America. From the indigenous Chitimacha peoples to permanent settlement in 1718, influences abound as a fusion of French, Spanish, Creole and African cultures collided in this gulf port city. We decided a little time in the French Quarter and some time in the world class WWII Museum were mandatory! Thus, with music, food and culture in mind we had our fingers crossed we’d get time to experiment. With a little good weather and luck, I’m hoping we’re set for an edu-vacation in the American South.