Kendrick Lamar concert! This is REMI'S!!!!

Back in late September, I went to go see one of my favorite artist's, his name is Kendrick Lamar. Since I first heard of him I fell in love with his music. So when I came to New Orleans and found out that he would be performing, it was a no doubt situation where I had to go. So when I decided to go, I didn't want to go alone, so I asked my friend Brendan to go, and of course he said yes. It was awesome, he played all of the music that I expected and some that I never heard before all and also it was my first time at the House of Blues, which was amazing as well. All in all, it was a great time, a well spent $35 might I add. I hope he chooses to perform here more, because I am for sure to go again.

The Roadtrip to St. Louis

After I completed my last final, I had to wait 2 days before I could head back home to a place I like to call, St. Louis. When the day got here I packed my stuff and headed with 3 of my friends, one of which included Remi. The drive was grueling, but it honestly didn't take as long as first expected. I thought it would take around 12 hours when it only took 10 hour, but of course we didn't speed at all, that's just wrong. It was a good time though, I got to finally see my first coast, which was pretty badass. I also got to see different parts of some states including Mississippi and Tennessee. I listened to music most of the trip, some of the music included Frank Ocean, Kid Cudi and a little bit of John Mayer. I might say that the trip was fun and I'm glad to be back home, but I cannot wait for the trip back, because I know in a few weeks, I am going to miss home, that is of course New Orleans.

The New Orleans Streetcar

The streetcar is one of New Orleans’ historic landmarks. It has been used for over one hundred and fifty years and is the oldest operating street railway system in the world. There are three lines in the railway system, the Riverfront line, the Canal St. line and the St. Charles line.

     The Canal St. line travels a five-mile route from the French Market to Park City Avenue. It travels through the central business and passes by the landmarks of city-park, and the New Orleans Museum of Art.

     The Riverfront line started operating in 1926. It is a huge tourist attraction as it passes through the French Market and the aquarium. It is the shortest line and only travel two miles, ending on Esplanade Avenue in the French Quarter.

     The St. Charles line starts in Uptown at the intersection of South Carrollton and South Claiborne avenue, which is about a twenty minute walk from Loyola’s campus, and ends at Canal street on the edge of the French Quarter. The wood seats, brass fittings, and exposed lights give it a truly authentic feel. The St. Charles line started on September 26, 1835. It is the oldest and most infamous of the three lines.   

Dooky Chase's

For my final for Creole Crossroads, we went to a restaurant that before this visit I had never heard of before. We went to Dooky Chase's which is a pretty famous restaurant which I'm pretty sure inspired the movie "Princess and the Frog". The food was amazing and I had great time with friends there, the bonus was getting to meet Leah Chase, the mastermind behind this amazing restaurant. After we were done eating, she came by our table and talked to us for awhile. It was astounding to see how happy she was to see us. I enjoyed the talk she gave us, one of things I'll never forget that she said was that "you will always know what kind of person someone is by what they eat, so it is true, you are what you eat". I enjoyed my time there and I would love to thank Dr. Hunt for taking me and the rest of the class there for our amazingly hard final! It was a good time, and for sure when my parents come and visit next year, that will be one of the places I will take them. No doubt!

The Dallas Half-Marathon

So on December 9th, I did the most incredible thing that I have ever accomplished in my young life. I ran the Dallas half-marathon. This has been on my bucket list for awhile but I never thought that I would accomplish this feat at the age that I am now. It took some persuasion from my Uncle to get me to come down there since it was during the time of my finals, but I think if I would've chosen not to go, I would've greatly regretted that decision. The time I got to spend with my Uncle and family and friends was awesome, but the race was the main reason for my visit. So on race day morning, I got up around 5 in the morning, took a nice shower, ate a good breakfast including a small bowl of cereal, a banana and a grapefruit, which was the nastiest thing ever. Then after that, I stretched for about a half an hour and talked with my uncle and friends who I was competing against. After that, we headed on down to downtown Dallas for the race, then for the last half hour I just listened to music to pump me up. The race overall was good for me. I kept a constant pace and was feeling really good until mile 9, there I had stomach cramps and wasn't feeling good so I had to walk for a little bit, but after that I was completely fine. My final time was around 1:50:00, which I wasn't happy about since I was aiming for a 1:40:00 or better, but I was told that that was an amazing time for someone who has only been training for 2 months. After the race, we celebrated with wine and margarita pizza. It was an amazing day overall, and I'm glad to say that this will now be a every year tradition for me and family and friends

This is Remi's!! Beasts of the southern wild

Film Club Event: Beasts of the Southern Wild

Under no circumstances should anyone with a soft heart be allowed to view this film. It will make you cry. Just say no. I can’t even write a summary of the plot without getting emotional. The film was set in a town known as the ‘Bathtub’ which is completely cut off from the rest of civilization by a levee. The film is narrated and viewed through the perspective of a six year old girl named Hushpuppy. We learn early on that she lives without a mother, and that her father is ill. As a dangerous storm approaches town, many take shelter or leave. Hushpuppy, along with her father and several townspeople decide to wait it out, and choose instead to spend the night in their own homes. When the morning comes, everything is flooded. Using a makeshift raft, the girl and her father make their way through the submerged town, searching for survivors. Fortunately, everyone they seemed to have decided to stay with made it through the storm, and for several weeks eight or nine people are forced to take refuge within one neighbor’s small floating house. Finding food is easy at first, but as the salt water dissolves and kills the freshwater inhabitance of ‘Bathtub’, the men of the group are forced to blow up a section of the levee in order to bring down the water level. Shortly thereafter, the small group is found by an emergency rescue team and forced (with actual force) to evacuate to a hospital within the levee. Doctors speak with the father the next day about test results and after he helps the

people of ‘Bathtub’ escape from the hospital, it is revealed that he is dying. Growing weaker every hour, the group somehow manages to escape back to their town (the water has drained at this point, and everyone returns to their respective soaked home. After Hushpuppy witnesses her father’s passing, she has his body placed in the makeshift raft and sets it adrift as she lights it on fire Viking funeral style.

This film is a very emotional one. Since scenes occur from the perspective of a six year old, there is an innocent truth about the script that sufficiently transports the viewer back to when they were six.  This film enables us to grasp, even for a moment, what it feels to be innocent, confident, and curious about the world. I, for one, would give anything to feel that way all day every day.

Parkway Bakery

There are 100's if not 1000's of places to get po-boys in New Orleans but the best places are always the little dives you find. My personal favorite is Parkway Bakery it's been around for over 100 years and has the BEST  roast beef po-boy in town!
http://www.parkwaypoorboys.com/

Another festive part of Christmas in New Orleans is Celebration in the Oaks at City Park, this festivity has the trees throughout City Park all decorated in different themes with Christmas lights and a train going around the outside because what is Christmas without a train

Christmas In New Orleans

Just as Jackson Square was all set up with the decorations of Halloween in October, you better believe they have it all decked out for Christmas as well. New Orleans is always dressed for whatever holiday season it might be.

My new puppy!!

So back in late October, I went back home for my Uncle's wedding. The day before I flew in though, my Mom called me and told me that there was something different with the house, that there was a new addition. By the way may I add, I did guess puppy when I talked to her, but she said no so I didn't think it was that. But when I got home, she told me where the key was so I could get it in. Then she also said that when you get in to let the puppy out. I was pretty excited to see it and it was so small. They decided upon the name "Smokey". He is a bichon frise and the cutest darn thing ever. So now at my house I have two bichon's and they are the greatest dogs ever. Makes going home oh so much better.

The Fat Hen!

     The fat hen is an amazing restaurant located a couple blocks away from Loyola Campus. It is affordable and delicious which is perfect for us struggling college students who just want some comfort food every once in a while. 

     The fat hen is owned by chef Shane Pritchett. Originally from Texas Chef Pritchett was always interested in comfort food. In 2004, Shane Pritchett was named executive chef at the prestigious Delmonico Restaurant in New Orleans. During Pritchett's time at Delmonico it was named the "best restaurant in New Orleans". Shane left Delmonico after Hurricane Katrina and began working at his wife's restaurant which was indeed the Fat Hen. 

       I went to the fat hen multiple times this year and every time I think I find my new favorite dish. The fat hen serves breakfast all day but not just the classic American breakfast, they have invented something called the Womlette, it really is a waffle covered in omelet and its amazing. They also have a variety of burgers ranging from the stuffed bbq burger to the classic shane burger. 

      Another unique part about the Fat Hen is that is is also  a butcher shop. You can find any kind of meat you can imagine at the Fat Hen. 

Macklemore!!!

Earlier this month, I went to the most exciting and ballin' concert ever. I went to go see Macklemore at the House of Blues. I've only known about this artist for the past two months but I can say that he is one of my favorites now. When I first heard about him and started listening to him more, my friend convinced me to get a ticket for the covert. Thankfully I did because it was the greatest decision. When we got there, it was already packed, but somehow we were able to force our way to the front of the stage! The show started out creepy with the opening act. When he told people to come on stage, an age group of around 9-13 went on stage. I thought it was funny, but when Macklemore came on, everyone went crazy, and being at the front of the stage made it even better. The whole night seem great, he played all his best songs and I went with a group of friends. My favorite song, which is called "Same Love" which is about equal rights for gays was performed which made he night even better. That was just one of the many great concerts I've been to while here, and I'm sure there are more to come!

Glow Run 5k!!

Back on November 10th, I did the most entertaining and athletic thing in New Orleans since I first arrived. I ran the Glow Run 5k in downtown New Orleans, it was so much fun to be a part of. When I first heard about it, I didn't think it looked that cool, but when I googled it and found out more about it, it looked like the coolest thing ever. I decided to run as a group, so me and my friend Alora ran it together. We named are group "Brendan's Angels" because at first, we thought more people would be running with us, but they bailed out. We decided to stick with the name because we both found it funny. We got to Champions Square about an hour early for packet pick-up and also to get free shirts and glow in the dark wrap around sticks. As we waited by the Superdome for the race to begin, music was playing throughout the city, mainly along where the coarse ran. The race itself, once it started, was so much fun. Everyone was dressed up in something different either running the whole thing, or walking. There were people dressed up as panda bears, people who were dressed in morph suits, the people kept us entertained throughout the race, and if there was any point at where you felt a little tired, the music along the way kept you pumped and ready to finish. The point at where it all finished felt amazing to cross. The feeling you get when you have achieved your goal and finished the race was awesome. The fact that we got handed amazing medals also was great. After all that there was music awaiting and a beer garden with free..... beer!! Made finishing the race even better. Overall it was a great time and a great night. I hope to one day do all the big runs here in New Orleans, like the Color Run, but thats for another day.

Po boy festival

Po boy festival. Yes it really is an entire celebration centered around a sandwich…welcome to New Orleans. Although the festival is fairly new the sandwich has been part of New Orleans culture for decades.

            People say that the name of the sandwich “Po Boy” came from “ Poor Boy” because it was considered the poor mans sandwich. Regardless it has transformed into the icon of New Orleans comfort food. The sandwich is not only made with the most amazing bread but it contains some of the most exotic and classic of New Orleans cuisine. 

            Being a freshman in college I was very reluctant to get out of bed to attend the celebration but somehow I made it to oak street hungry and ready to enjoy as many sandwiches as I could get my hands on, which proved to be a harder task then I had expected, for some of the lines would drag on for more then 2 blocks at a time. Clearly there’s a reason people enjoy this food so much.

            After walking up and down Oak Street twice I was finally ready to make a decision on which po boy I would be having. I went with an Asian inspired deep fried oyster po boy. Not only was it amazing but it was also an amazing deal.

            Po Boy festival unique in that it brings together the people of New Orleans rather then being over run by tourists like most things in the quarter usually are. It encourages small businesses and helps bring attention to the little hole in the wall places around New Orleans that may not have been found if it weren’t for the festival.  In addition if bring together many of the cultures we find in new Orleans, from creoles and Cajuns to people from all end of the world.

VOODOO

           Voodoo festival is an amazing experience. It brings  music from all different cultures together with the classic big easy atmosphere. Voodoo festival was first held on Halloween of 1999 in City Park, New Orleans. I attended voodoo festival for the first time this year and it was truly a unique experience. Although it is no longer held on Halloween weekend it still felt like Halloween. Everyone at voodoo fest has a chance to bring something personal and unique to to the group by having the opportunity to dress up and express themselves. 

         
             Voodoo festival is known for having high profile performers such as Green Day, Metallica, Justice, and The black keys as well as local artists such as Loyola’s own Coyotes, Trombone Shorty and Dr. John. The festival wasn’t always a 3 daylong event. During its humble beginnings in 1999 it was only a one-day event. The Festival gained much attention thanks to rapper Eminem who’s fame exploded right before his performance at Voodoo Fest in 2006 which lead to the expansion of the festival from 1 day to 3 days.

            My experience at Voodoo fest was like none other. It was the perfect representation of what life in New Orleans is like. People gather from all over the city to listen to all different forms of music. The festival welcomes people of all ages because of its variety of music. My favorite experience at voodoo festival was having the chance to interact with the crowd at both the electronic stage and the jazz stage because although each was drastically different in opinions but both still maintained the friendly big easy attitude. I am looking forward to going to many more voodoo fests to come because it is truly a unique experience. 

Funerals, Part Two

My great grandmother passed away in late October and her funeral was held at Lake Lawn Cemetery on October 29, 2012. I can't say whether or not this was a traditional New Orleans funeral in the sense that if you were to stumble into the more 'run down' cemeteries that this is what you would see; however, this funeral was, to me, a very traditional Catholic funeral, which are very common in New Orleans because of the amount of Catholics present here.
My grandmother was clothed in white and there was a crucifix hanging over her in the open casket. Present at the funeral was a nun as well as the pastor of St. Agnes, a Vietnamese man with a strong accent (there are a great many Vietnamese people in New Orleans as well--a topic for another post). Of course, there was a funeral mass complete with readings, a homily, and the Eucharist for those of the Catholic orientation.
The homily was beautiful. Catholics have a very interesting way of viewing death. The priest could not stress enough, it seemed, that we should be happy for her, as she is finally going to her eternal reward. He also pointed out that she and my great grandfather had been married for sixty eight years and attended church regularly and always together.
What does this have to do with New Orleans?
Just the flavor, if I may use the word, of the environment was one I have not experienced at other funerals, even within the state of Louisiana (of course, those were Mormon funerals, so there was that difference). A Vietnamese priest delivering the homily for a Creole Catholic woman? The fact that he wore flamboyant sunglasses while delivering the final words before they slid her into her above-ground grave? Perhaps I am just not experienced enough with other places and funerals, but to me it seems like there was something all together unique about this funeral, as well as all those which take place in New Orleans.

TIPITINA'S

Located at the corner of Napolean Avenue and Tchoupitoulas Street in Uptown, Tipitina's is one of the most well-known music venues in New Orleans.  On Tuesday, November 13th, I was lucky enough to experience a show at Tipitina's for the first time!  The headliner that night was Dr. Dog, a favorite band of mine that is based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The venue had an amazing atmosphere.  The staff was very funny and friendly, the walls were covered in old posters and flyers, and the crowd was very enthusiastic about Dr. Dog and their opener, Cotton Jones.  I was lucky enough to get a spot right in front of the stage, but the venue is pretty small and intimate, so any spot was really a great one.  There was also a second level with a balcony where fans could stand and watch the performance.  Cotton Jones was a great opening act.  I had never heard of them before, but their mellow acoustics and harmonies paired with instruments such as the omnichord, organ, and tuba was a perfect warmup to get ready for the more rock n' roll stylings of Dr. Dog.  I was surprised to find out that Cotton Jones was from my home state of Maryland!  I thought that was pretty cool to see a Maryland band representing all the way down in New Orleans!  
The rest of the concert was fantastic!  Dr. Dog never ceases to amaze me, and I always have a blast dancing and screaming the words out in the crowd.  Their stage presence and energy is always through the roof!  If I remember correctly, the bass player even jumped in the trash can and performed a great chunk of a song from inside of it!  It was great to be able to experience a Dr. Dog live show at a venue as great, intimate, and fun as Tipitina's.  Tipitina's is one of the many small music venues that New Orleans boasts.  That is what I have come to love about New Orleans.  For the most part they could care less about the commercial, mainstream artists that need to play at huge venues.  New Orleans has a great amount of small clubs and venues that cater to artists and fans that are in it for the pure love of music!  It is an up close and personal experience and connection between the artist and the audience.  It almost felt like I was at a private concert in my home!  I hope New Orleans continues to foster these types of musical experiences for the locals and tourists for years and years to come!  I strongly encourage everyone to check out Tipitina's and the other great smaller music venues around the New Orleans area!