Nawlins 2012

David Sanchez
Sigma Phi Epsilon

As we sped past the massive cypress groves and delta swamps, I tried to piece together everything that happened throughout the weekend. Though I may feel half past dead, I hold no regrets about our weekend trip to New Orleans.  However, I don’t think I could survive another day in NOLA. My fraternity’s NOLA semi-formal is always an adventure and never a dull moment.

We packed up the trucks and bus Friday morning and left promptly. Though I didn’t ride the bus, from what I’ve heard, it was as loud and lively as Bourbon Street itself. About eight hours later, we found ourselves at the threshold of New Orleans. Upon arriving at the Holiday Inn on Royal, we quickly checked-in, got dressed, and hit the streets. The French Quarter is a beautiful and culturally-rich district in New Orleans that hugs the Mississippi River in an otherwise run-down, formidable city. The Cajun atmosphere throughout the French Quarter is incomparable to any other city. The humid air, Zydeco music, French architecture, lax attitudes, drunken commotion and the undeniable vitality of the streets all add to the atmosphere and, of course, our excitement. 

Our first stop was the Bourbon House, a swanky Creole bistro on the corner of Bourbon & Iberville. Being that we were in Cajun country, we were obliged to order some fried Alligator and a bottle of French wine. After dinner, we started down Bourbon Street. Describing the feeling of Bourbon Street is a difficult task. Thousands of people flood the street, ranging from college kids, old couples, and even people getting married. Being that Louisiana has no laws prohibiting public drinking, all of the action is on the streets, rather than inside the bars. Hand Grenades and Hurricanes are the staple drinks of New Orleans, and if you don’t have one when you are there, then you truly haven’t experienced Bourbon Street. 

Though many people may be deterred by the sporadic cabarets, their existence and lack of discretion shouldn’t ruin your experience and good time.  Many of the bars on Bourbon are nationally-known, particularly for their unique concoctions and even more unique facades. Despite what my parents may think, New Orleans isn’t exclusively about drunken debauchery. Anyone who has the slightest interest in culture, history, or live music will be humbled by the plethora of things to do. Street performers’ bits and the sounds of live bands flood the streets during the day. Also, a steamboat ferry on the Mississippi River offers a tour and historical background of New Orleans and is a lot less uninteresting than it appears to be.

A trip to New Orleans, especially with your brothers, is always an experience not worth missing. Though I love the city and what it offers, anymore than two days is too much time in New Orleans. I don’t think my wallet, much less my liver, could handle more than a weekend. Nonetheless, I’m glad to be back, but am already looking forward to next year’s trip to NOLA and the good time that surely ensues.

David is a sophomore studying business. You may contact him at dsanchez@neo.tamu.edu.