I remember many moons ago when I was a senior in high
school; I would dream of always living in a large urban city that would broaden my
horizons. The thought of the different
cultures, backgrounds, people and the upbeat tempo was such an appeal to me, especially
because I went to a small country high school.
Diversity is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of an urban
city. I imagine a high density
population, with people commuting to jobs, other people walking with children
and dogs, all from different backgrounds.
These people are of different cultures and economic status. When walking down the busy streets a person
would see local restaurants, chain coffee shops with long lines of individuals
getting their morning fix of caffeine, tall buildings, alleys with graffiti art
spray painted on the buildings by local artists, people dressed in business
attire, and the possible siting of homeless individuals in run down clothing
asking for spare change to help feed themselves or their family. I don’t envision people driving though I
imagine they do. I think they would
reach their destinations by subway or taxis.
I don’t visualize single family homes but large apartment complexes and
fancy lofts. I suspect I still have my
high school imagination about what an urban city consists of.
I feel that the term “urban city” was written with New Orleans
in mind; but when I think of New Orleans I do not think of business attire and
coffee chains; I think of uniqueness. I
think of people walking Bourbon Street dressed up in clothes we wear only for
Halloween where I am from (hence my obsession of saying I am going to dress up
as a pirate while we are there). New
Orleans makes me think of Cajun food, great music, and the most unique artwork
one has seen. I assume New Orleans possesses
all these amazing cultural assets because of things I have read, seen on television
and have been told by friends who have visited.
I also think of despair, lives lost, houses ruined, and heartache due to
Hurricane Katrina when I think of New Orleans.
I think that when I visit New Orleans the people will be accommodating,
friendly, insightful and the experience will be very educational.
