On the first week of 2023, my friend Rita and I took to New Orleans.
We started driving around midnight on January 1st, to get to Montreal for the 6am flight. As soon as we dropped in NOLA, we took a Lyft and directed the driver along the route of a Second Line Parade, a wandering block party. We found them, and walked with them for two hours, before ending up at a car meet. Brightly coloured motorcycles and mounted police followed us.
Things just got better from there. The city is now one of my favourite destinations in the world; up there with Barcelona. It comes down to one thing: community.
Beyond that parade, there was outdoor gym equipment, free for use. We went to a community center, and found that the structured programs were all free including to outsiders. Rita went to a free crossfit session for queer folk. Public transit was $1.25. There was e-bikes you could rent everywhere (and we did). There was tons of parks and green space, reminiscent of Ottawa. I saw queer people everywhere. Everyone was super friendly, talking to you like you would a family member.
Beyond that, the food was amazing. I had one of the best meals of my life over at an Israeli joint called Shaya. I also had amazing po’boy, jambalaya, gumbo, white beans and rice, and fried chicken. Antique shopping was neat here, the music was good.
I was unimpressed with Bourbon Street or Frenchman Street, which is what I went in expecting the most out of. Just lots of tourists drinking. Instead, turns out, the magic is with the community.