Cafe du Monde

New Home Sweet Home

Hello, or Hey Y'all, if you're feeling southern, 

I have made it to New Orleans! I am sitting in my new apartment listening to the rain. I have been here for less than 48 hours and there have been at least 6 thunderstorms. Fortunately they don't last long and it feels cooler afterwards until it starts to steam up again 20 minutes later. Everyone told me New Orleans was hot and humid. It is beyond true.

These first few days are mostly filled with unpacking, getting to know the city, and beginning YAV orientation. I think it will take awhile to feel at home. I'm looking forward to coming back to New Orleans after New York next week. I think that'll help allow me to settle in more. It's weird to think about the fact that I'm here and this is now my life. It isn't a temporary thing. It isn't college anymore. This is life. 

Fortunately, life has been pretty sweet so far. I like my housemates a lot so far. Everyone seems relaxed and easy going. The house is really cute and in a cool, kind of hipster neighborhood. There are actually a lot of great restaurants and shops just a block away. Also, the green streetcar that goes down St. Charles is just around the corner. All in all, it seems like a nice place to live. I hope it stays that way. 

Everyone is a Saints fan in New Orleans. It is a nonnegotiable fact of New Orleans life. For example, last night we (me and the roomies) went out to dinner at a local BBQ place, and it happened to be at the same times the Saints were playing a preseason game. The bartender insisted we take free drinks when the Saints scored a touchdown. I have since been googling and wikipedia-ing the Saints to try to find out what I can. So far I know to say "Go Drew Brees!" and "Who Dat!" I also know that the Super Bowl will be here next year. The next step is to get myself actually interested in the sport. 

Last night also included one of the best dinners I have eaten. We didn't make it out to dinner until after 8 pm. After walking around the neighborhood we settled on Squeal BBQ because it had a pit going right out front and the smell was unbelievable. We got three types of tacos to share and they were actually incredible, so I feel like I have to share:

Pulled pork with horseradish slaw and chipotle sauce

Glazed duck with bacon, lettuce, and tomato, and wasabi mayo

Jerk chicken with pineapple salsa and pickled watermelon rind. 

I would share pictures, but we ate them all before we thought to get a camera out. For dessert, the chef made us a chocolate brownie with bacon and frozen honey cream on top. I've heard of bacon desserts before, but was never actually tempted to try one. I have been missing out. If you get the chance, or want to try it at home, I highly recommend it. 

I will write more soon and will definitely try to get some photos up. 

P.S. Another important NOLA lesson: Cockroaches are large and scary, but a little less so if you remember to call them Palmetto Bugs.