Imagine this: I’m soaking in the sights of the French Quarter while enjoying a delicious lunch with Nancy, our fabulous tour manager, when the skies suddenly open up. But a little rain wasn’t going to dampen our spirits – we were ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure with a group of high schoolers! First, we picked up some fun hats to keep us dry and stylish.
Our journey began in the historic French Quarter, or as the locals call it, the Vieux Carré. Don’t let the name fool you; this area is more Spanish than French, but that only adds to its charm. As we huddled under those iconic wrought-iron balconies, dodging raindrops and giggling about whether we’d need to blow-dry our shoes later, I could feel the magic of New Orleans seeping into our bones.
We zigzagged through narrow streets lined with colorful Creole cottages and grand townhouses, soaking up three centuries of history. From the buzzing energy of Bourbon Street to the elegant galleries on Royal Street, every corner had a story to tell. Our guide shared tales that would make even the most stoic teenager’s jaw drop!
After drying off and refueling with mouth-watering po’ boys (shrimp for me, thank you very much), we were ready for our next adventure: a ghost tour! I almost missed it because I couldn’t resist a quick detour for some piping hot beignets and café au lait (pro tip: powdered sugar and dark clothes don’t mix). But boy, am I glad I made it! As we crept through dimly lit alleys, our guide spun tales of grim deeds and restless spirits that had us all looking over our shoulders. The best part? Watching our tech-savvy teens fact-checking in real-time – turns out, truth really is stranger than fiction in the Big Easy!
The next day was just as thrilling as we explored the National World War I Museum. This place was incredible! With interactive exhibits and even a simulated train ride, we experienced firsthand what life was like during the war. From heartfelt letters to recruitment posters and real weapons, every display brought history to life.
Later, we took a swamp tour aboard the “Cajun Cadillac” with Captain EJ at the helm. I got so close to an alligator that I could count its teeth – yes, I fed it a marshmallow! My mom nearly had fainted when I sent her that picture. We even cruised through the part of the swamp that inspired Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.”
As we stumbled back to our hotel after another exciting day, faces flushed with excitement, I couldn’t help but reflect: this is what travel is all about. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing the unexpected (rain included), and creating memories that will last a lifetime. New Orleans? She’s one heck of a teacher!
written by Jenn Korolenko (ETA Staff)
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