New Orleans, Lessons from the Swamp
I’d never been to New Orleans. This classic southern Cajun-vibe city perched on the gulf in a giant swath of wetlands where seawater meets the Mississippi River. I bet you’ve heard the nickname,?The Big Easy, but like most, I didn’t know the origin. Historically, due to the thriving music and bar scene, the city was known as a haven for struggling jazz/blues musicians and an “easy” place to find work and make a living. Also, NOLA was known to be lax in its enforcement during the 1920s prohibition era, thus an easy place to get a drink, party, and have a good time.?
Big Easy or not, most visitors think of Mardi Gras, parades, beads on barely-covered breasts, beignets, Bourbon Street revelry, the French Quarter, seafood boils, and live blues or jazz! You’re not wrong, but I found some additional local insight that added to the already impressive New Orleans resumé. Take a deeper dive and go past the surface with the locals. Like many trips, the people make the place, and NOLA is no exception.?
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New Orleans, The Alligator Lesson
New Orleans is on the gulf, but there’s no beach, just 4.5 million acres of coastal marsh and swampland, home to over one million alligators! The best way to see these amazing creatures and this amazing, soggy piece of earth is on a swamp airboat tour. Check out New Orleans Airboat Tours to book an adventure. Steve, Kim, and I joined Captain Morgan (yes, his real name) on a two-hour excursion jetting around a labyrinth of watery inlets and muddy river bogs.
Just 20 minutes in, Captain Morgan stopped for the first gator spotting, a six-foot adult hanging out on the muddy bank. We continued through narrow canals, holding on to our hats to keep them from flying off. The boat’s motor sent groups of birds alight as we sped past their habitats. The most common bird sightings are herons, egrets, ibis, osprey, hawks, and eagles, now increasing in numbers.?
Wildlife/Adventure Photographer
1 年That's so cool that you had the opportunity to work alongside people that bolster wild alligator populations! I enjoyed reading the article and wish you the best on your future adventures! Alligators are easily one of my favorite animals and I'd love to be in an area like Florida or Louisiana where there are millions of them. Keep getting out there and be safe!!
Digital Media and Marketing Coordinator
1 年I've always wanted to go there! I cannot wait to read about your experience there!
Absolutely, the spirit of a place really is shaped by its people! ?? As Maya Angelou once said, "I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself." Your adventures in New Orleans embody this beautifully. ???? Also, in the spirit of making a positive impact, there's a fantastic opportunity to join the Guinness World Record for Tree Planting. Feel free to explore this further here: https://bit.ly/TreeGuinnessWorldRecord
Independent Wine Consultant/Accountant
1 年I love how descriptive you are. Enjoyed the read.