Where in the World?

Erica and I traveled to New Orleans this morning to spend a little time there before our flight back to Rhode Island. Since I grew up in Louisiana and had visited New Orleans many times, I was anxious to see how things were 2 ½ years after Hurricane Katrina.

My initial impression or vibe as we drove down S. Carrollton Ave. towards Magazine Street was one of less vitality and energy. I had spent many weeks over the years in the uptown section of New Orleans around Audubon Park. There just seemed to be less happening than I remember. There were many buildings still boarded up while others seemed to have recently opened up for business. I was happy to see The Camellia Grill open again.

We finally reached Magazine Street and saw new businesses and some vitality returning. After finding a parking spot we walked up and down the street browsing in the many antique and retail shops. The people were quite friendly. We ate lunch at Byblos, a Mediterranean restaurant.

What struck me after our several hour tour of this area of New Orleans was a similarity between this disaster and the devastation and subsequent return of life after the Mount St. Helens eruption in Washington. In 1996, I visited the devastated area caused by the volcanic explosion. Scientists and I believe everyone who visits here, are surprised by how life is returning to an area that initially seemed completely and utterly destroyed. Biology textbooks are being re-written based on the knowledge we have gained from St. Helens over the last 20 years.

I saw something similar on Magazine Street. I found pockets of vitality and life returning. I found extremely nice people. New and old retail shops have opened. Hope is returning. The rich culture is re-emerging. All of this is happening due to the tremendous persistence and hard work of caring people. Where the government utterly failed, people were the key and the reason New Orleans is coming back.

As I drove to the airport, it was a refreshing feeling to see vitality returning. I’m always amazed at the resilience of people. It gives me hope for the future.

Michael

I arrived in London Heathrow this morning at 5:28 a.m. It’s wonderful to be back for a few days. The weather was typical; somewhat cold, cloudy with a little rain. That bothers some people, but it never really bothered me. It’s just what this part of the world can be like. I never let that stop me from doing anything here.

I love the fact that you can walk around everywhere in London. It makes for a richer experience than driving from place to place. The tube system (subway) is easy to use as is the bus system. I’ve always felt safe using both, though I prefer the tube and walking as I never quite know where I am on the bus.

I went into my exploring mode, which means I don’t know exactly where I’m going. I choose the direction from a starting point and then follow my nose. Babi, who I haven’t seen in over a year, met me for the afternoon and evening. We walked along the back streets near Leicester Square, Covent Garden, SoHo and Piccadilly Circus.

Great food. Great conversation. Great cappuccino. Lots of diversity. Masses of people. Cosmopolitan city. Culture. Art. Music. Adventure around every corner. These are some of the reasons I love London.

Have a great day!

Michael