Beignets in Jackson Square

Today we had a great day filled with adventure. We started the day off at the hurricane Katrina museum where we all got a better look and understanding at what really happened and how the people in New Orleans were affected. It was eye opening to see the footage that was playing throughout the museum. The very beginning of the museum had a room that played the sounds and videos of the storm. I have never seen that much damage and it made me feel like I was in the middle of the storm, which brought up more emotions than I thought it would. Everyone really soaked in the information and I think that we all learned something new that we didn't know before. After going through the museum we split up into groups and walked around the French Quarter until we found a place to eat. Many of us tried different types of seafood and New Orleans dishes and it was fun seeing how each other reacted to everything surrounding us. I have been to New Orleans before but didn't get to experience the culture and atmosphere the way we got to all day and I know that I have a better understanding of it. Eating Beignets in Jackson Square was a lot of fun and although we were doing tourist activities today it was all enjoyable. Many of us went to the french market where we bought souvenirs and checked out at all of the interesting trinkets being sold. Many of the people selling things were friendly and a lot of people stopped us to talk about Missouri State University, we even saw some other students, a professor, and alumni. We ate at a variety of restaurants today and were able to try some things that we wouldn't have experienced in Missouri. It was interesting to see the differences between the environment when walking around and some streets were very populated while others were residential areas that were calm and quiet.I didn't realize before then that so many people like in that area or that were so many homes there. I enjoyed getting to see different parts of the French Quarter and without today I wouldn't have as much about hurricane Katrina and the community of New Orleans. Another favorite part of the day was seeing all the architecture. It is so different and historical from the buildings that we see throughout Missouri and that really amazed me. Even though the streets were crowded and we walked a lot, today was enjoyable and beneficial. 

Claire Mansur