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Just Once, I Hope You Can Experience The Warmth Of Mardi Gras In New Orleans
I visit New Orleans a lot. I’ve even ridden in Mardi Gras parades. But until this year, I hadn’t enjoyed the full Mardi Gras experience.
All I can say is, I hope you’ll do this someday. It will put a smile on your face and lift your soul.
I say that as someone who doesn’t particularly like crowds, doesn’t drink much, considers herself to be reserved, and values the opportunity for an hour of quiet.
For me, the stereotypes of Mardi Gras are something I would run from.
But the Mardi Gras I discovered this year, when I came for the entire parade season, was completely different than what you might see on TV. I’ve come to New Orleans enough times now that I’ve built a little community of friends.
Some are chefs or work in the food business. Some are writers and broadcasters. Some are local business people. Some are my sisters in the Krewe of Nyx, the largest all-women organization to put on a Mardi Gras parade.
Throughout them all, I find a wonderful theme: hospitality.
New Orleans is known as a warm city, both in its attitude and its weather. People are pleasant and say hello. They have time for a chat, not just a hello and then rush away, the way folks up north do.
