The New Orleans trip was a success. We achieved what we set out to do and we all had time to enjoy the city too. It’s an interesting city. As Tom and I were leaving, he asked if I would ever come back. My initial answer was yes, I would. On second thought, not sure I would.
Don’t get me wrong. It is a city rich with interesting cultures, mouth watering food, and friendly people. It’s also a city full of crime and exploitation. Not to mention, the blend of smells that comes off the streets and surprises you as you walk, is a mix of urine, feces and vomit. It’s no wonder they hose the streets down daily.
I think the thing that made the trip fun was the bonding between all of the different people that I work with that I hadn’t met until this trip. We all got along so well and we all learned a lot from each other. We quickly learned that on the outside, we might all appear to be very different people, but on the inside, when you boil us down to the bare threads that bind us, we are very much the same. I met some of the most genuine, hard working people I have ever known and I think that made discovering the people, the food, and the city in general, more fun.
However, with all of that said, I am SO happy to be home. I came home pretty late last night and Vavia was sound asleep. I walked in her room to see her sleeping and I ran my hands across her hair. That got me through the night. I woke to find her in her daddy’s arms close to me. It took a few seconds but then she gave me a megawatt smile and it completely made my morning.
I missed her and Richard so much and I am glad to be home.
I sure will miss that Cajun food though!