Living up on the tundra, conversation often turns to the fantasy of having a second house in the South where one can live during the winter. I have always been baffled by this because a) I love snow, and b) while I’ve enjoyed my trips to the South, I’ve never visited a place where I could imagine living in for a few months.
That has changed now. I could live in New Orleans.
I have had only the briefest of visits here, driving from school to school (my nose pressed against the window of the car), a ten minute walk through the neighborhood of Octavia Books, and lots of conversations with hurrican survivors, but this I know to be true: New Orleans is unique. Must. Come. Back!
So… details of the next to last day of this leg of the Book Tour:
The NPR affiliate of New Orleans, WWNO, has a brief interview with me about the writing of CHAINS. Many thanks to journalist Diane Mack for asking some of the best questions yet.
The trees of the city spoke to me.
The students and librarians at Sacred Heart were amazing, and their chapel, breathtaking. Thanks to everyone from SH who came out to Octavia Books, and to those girls who Friended me!
The McGehee School (good luck to the volleyball team!) is housed, in part, in this building.
It has the only school library I know of with a sweeping spiral staircase.
I know there are many, many parts of New Orleans that are suffering – people whose schools are crumbling, whose homes are still broken, whose spirits are battered. I hope the next time I come down, I’ll be able to lend a hand.
I’ll finish my NOLA post tomorrow. Right now, I have to get to my event!
Great Radio Interview!
Radio too! What a tour!
Tea is ready
BH
there’s a fresh new copy of Chains in our household currently being devoured by the 10 y.o. girl with a patiently waiting father who really wanted to read it first. ;o) We were kinda hoping you’d make it to St. Louis again on this book tour.
I *adore* New Orleans. Be sure to enjoy beignets and chicory coffee at the Cafe du Monde before you go! 😉
It’s so pretty. 🙂
<3
My husband and I honeymooned in NOLA eleven years ago, and loved it – the food, the people, everything! I often pondered a winter home there as well. Glad your trip is going well!
I give a hearty second on the beignets! And crawfish. And muffalettas. And jambalaya. And red beans and rice. And gumbo to die for. And so much more. My mouth is watering.
Beware the roaches that are so big you could put a saddle on them. They live in the trees.
Ride the trolly. Visit Tchoupitoulas Street.
It’s on my list of places to visit. I have a penchant for architecture.
New Orleans sounds and looks so amazing!!! you’re so lucky to be traveling all over the place, I probably wouldn’t be able to handle it, but it looks like a fun adventure!
Laurie-
your email box seems full, so here is a link to the picture of all of us in Miami hanging out: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/3029193889_32a4d8860d.jpg?v=0
I love N.O. too, I am Creole and it’s in the blood…
Good luck finishing your tour!
I know, isn’t New Orleans beautiful? I live thirty minutes outside it and I go there all the time. I love it too.
I have so loved following along on your tour. Thank you for sharing! Can’t wait to read “Chains” (I have requested it for Christmas)! Jeni
Nice to see some parts of the city were untouched
Boy, do we have snow! 🙂
Don’t worry, there will be plenty of your favorite thing when you return to the tundra! Woke up this morning to almost a foot and it is still falling. Boys were hoping for a delay.. no such luck. Best wishes for a safe trip back up here.. can’t wait to see you at the rivers end Dec 4th.
The other Lori 🙂