Living in New Orleans – the first 5 years

My family is from Louisiana for generations on both sides but my path home was winding. After living in Maryland, Washington D.C., Japan, Alabama, New York and Los Angeles, I finally moved to New Orleans in late 2009. And I’ve never been happier. When I got here, the Saints were on their way to winning the Superbowl and the city was vibrating with optimism. Most of the people who would come home after the Storm were back. Katrina money was being spent on street repairs and schools were getting instruments from places like Tipitina’s Foundation. Buildings, homes, t-shirts and more exclaimed, “Believe” and “Renew, Rebuild, Rebirth.” It was intoxicating.

Southern Decadence

The people of Plaquemines Parish and several other surrounding areas continue to suffer the effects of Isaac. In New Orleans, there are still many without power, phone, wifi or cable TV. That said, Isaac was not Katrina and last weekend, the French Quarter was filled with revelers attending Southern Decadence. For them and the many people who found themselves on an unscheduled week off from work, this week could be called a “Hurrication” (got the term from a local). There were repairs to be made and debris to pick up, but the French Quarter, with it’s allure of electricity and satellite TV, beckoned.

Isaac Passes

Hurricane Isaac has come and gone. To our north, south, east and west, there is devastation. The good news is that, for the most part, New Orleans has been spared. Hundreds of thousands have been without power since Monday and it will take weeks to get everyone back on the grid. Ditto for wifi, cable and landlines. But, if you want to know more about devastation, watch the news, because I’d rather talk about my beloved city.

Waiting on Isaac

I’ve lived through a few hurricanes. Agnes took out our outdoor deck in 1972. But if Isaac becomes a hurricane, it will be the first to hit NOLA  since my move here in 2009. I’ve decided to stay. Despite the anniversary with Katrina, this storm will be much weaker and NEVER FORGET – Katrina was really about the levee failures.