This past December, I was given the exciting chance to visit New Orleans, a city filled with culture. I've always been a city girl, since I was born in New York City. However, the number of different cities I have visited have been very little. Granted, I am still in high school so I figure I have time. Luckily, I was given the chance to explore the "Big Easy" for a week.

While I did have the chance to look around the whole city, I mostly stayed in the French Quarter or the Vieux Carré, the center of tourism. Established in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, this is the oldest part of this Louisiana city. Louisiana is known for the French influences that surround it. One of these cultural influences is Mardi Gras, which in English stands for "Fat Tuesday." Mardi Gras is celebrated on the Tuesday (last day of Carnival season) before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. People have a misconception that the festivities are only held on that day. However, the celebrations span weeks before the actual day. The celebrations include organizations that register to have a parade and then bring their floats down the avenues of the city. The people on the floats throw out plastic necklaces and other products. The people lining up in the streets are all made to feel like they are a part of the whole show. Thus, there is no sole audience. The "show" of Mardi Gras includes everyone: the spectators, the floats, and the necklace throwers. The culture of the French Quarter doesn't end there. Natives of New Orleans are really proud of their Creole culture and food. Foods by the names of Jambalaya, Gumbo, and Praline are scattered all throughout the city. They are also known for their exotic alligator meat. I would argue that one has never lived if one has never tried Oysters Bienville, a famous dish and appetizer in New Orleans that incorporates raw oysters. The food is part of the amazing culture in the city.

When I went to New Orleans over New Year's holiday, I spent New Year's Eve on the streets of the city. This past 2016 year was special in that the All State Sugar Bowl was held in New Orleans between the Auburn Tigers and Oklahoma Sooners. A huge New Year's Eve parade was held in the streets and many necklaces were thrown out to the crowds. Also, the Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve show has a tradition of ringing in the New Year's every year by counting down the seconds until the New Year begins. For the first time this year, they had a Central Time Zone countdown in New Orleans. Jason Derulo even performed! This New Year's was especially interesting.

Another aspect of New Orleans is their street cars that run up and down Canal Street and other large avenues of the city. Tulane University is also along the route of one of these amazing streetcar paths. Chock full of wonderful parks and beautiful homes, people will be astounded by the wonderful scenery that they see around the city. I know that someone's typical list of cities usually doesn't include New Orleans. But after my own personal experience, I recommend that it makes it onto your list!