Vacation
This word is usually one that bears a sense of relief to all who hear it. It means a day off from work, time with family and friends, relaxation, and adventure. For me, this past weekend has entailed all three.
Before I go any further, this is not my usual motivational/advise/personal development sort of post...at least not in the format you're expecting. But hey, everyone needs a break every now and again, right? A change of pace is good for recharging. I recently had the privilege of that often, ever-fleeting term at the top of this post. My wife's birthday was this past week and I planned a surprise weekend getaway to New Orleans, LA for that momentous occasion. This post is for memories, history, and a great reminder to appreciate relaxing and the simple things in life. If that sounds like your cup of tea, by all means, read on.
Let me start by pointing out that, despite a sometimes-negative reputation, New Orleans is a fantastic place to visit. Historically speaking, it has a very rich heritage as the former center of commerce for the United States because of its close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River. The cathedral in the background of this picture is one of the most beautiful buildings of the entire city, in my opinion. Several Popes who have made the trip to the states have worshiped here. It is also just past Jackson Square. This delightful plaza was erected to commemorate the famed "Battle of New Orleans" during which general Andrew Jackson lead a small army to drive the British out of the city during the War of 1812.
We stayed in a little bed & breakfast near the Garden District. Our hosts had, to say the least, seen some tough times through hurricanes, lost family members, and racial struggles. My wife and I enjoyed their company and visiting. Getting to talk with natives of the city was a great way to learn and added a very personal touch to our trip. Invest in those you come into contact with. It will make you into a more caring individual if you take the time to listen to what people have to say.
This was the spread that my wife and I woke up to each morning of our trip. I am not usually much of a breakfast person, but this lovely addition to our meals was served around 9 AM and was substantial enough to count as more of a brunch. Sitting and eating with my wife is one of my favorite things to do. Sipping coffee with sunlight pouring through the window gives you a deeper appreciation for the company you are keeping and the food that you are enjoying. We tend to make our meals something to satisfy hunger pangs quickly. It was very refreshing to actually take the time to enjoy what we were eating.
Our first night was her birthday night. We got dressed up, ate at a fancy restaurant, and relaxed. After driving for the majority of the day, it was exactly what we needed. The food was excellent and the restaurant was a
small piece of history itself as it was located in a refurbished antebellum house on the river.
Day# 1 took place in the heart of the city: The French Quarter. After an awesome scavenger hunt/tour that my wife found, we were guided from Canal Street, to Bourbon Street, all the way to a small antique book shop. By the end of the tour, we legitimately could have walked the quarter with our eyes closed. It was a great way to see that part of the city and learn fun facts along the way. We worked our brains and our feet at the same time and had fun doing it. That is an unbeatable combo.
We met up with my best friend for coffee at Cafe du Monde. We ate our beignets on the river walk with a sun as warm as the conversation. Reconnecting with friends is one of my favorite things to do. Always keep in touch with those who mean the most to you. Those friendships are few, and far between. They are worth hanging on to.
We had so much fun on our tour of the French Quarter, on day# 2, we did another scavenger hunt tour for the Garden District. This is definitely the more peaceful side of the city. It is filled with beautiful sidewalks, historical houses, and (of course) lovely gardens. While we enjoyed the antebellum history, one of the most interesting things to us was the spray paint on the post in the picture to the left above. That was painted there by rescuers during hurricane Katrina. The spray paint was used as a marker to let other rescue teams know that the house had been checked for survivors. This particular marking was preserved in remembrance. It was really neat to think that we are living out modern history. Will those who come behind us speak of a generation full of passion, faith, and drive? Will they, instead, see a crooked and perverse people who the world would have been better off without? That choice is up to us. Make your days count.
A street show and a sunset were our last evening in the Crescent City. We felt like that last night really allowed us to experience the soul of the city. It gave us a chance to stop and listen to the rhythm of a city that had seen its hardships but had persevered and come out stronger.
We also got stopped by a parade. While keeping us out much later than we had originally intended, it gave us a chance to catch some beads and have a great time. My wife got a true New Orleans experience with that one, for sure.
All in all, it was a great weekend. The relaxation was much needed. More than that, were the people with whom I shared the weekend. They definitely made it what it was. This post does not nearly do justice to what that trip was like. Stopping to hear the jazz, walking in the sunlight, and sharing spiritual thought with our hosts all encompassed our weekend as well. There were also lots more pictures taken. Hopefully, you have gotten a small taste of what our mini-adventure was like. Take a vacation and see if you come back differently. Think about each individual component and develop an appreciation for the simplicity and the tiny "vacations" that come along with every day life. Stop and smell the roses. You will be a better professional as a result.
Until next time, stay classy.
-Andrew
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