Spring Break 2013 - Day 6 - Chicago

Being back in Chicago allows me to think about the last week in New Orleans and reflecting back on the crazy trip to New Orleans, I think it was totally worth it. My mom and Becky were right--I never would've had such an opportunity. In the 3 days we spent in New Orleans, we did so much! We met a lot of people, explored a lot of places; we really spent our time well. It was also a week of a lot of firsts. It was my first time being in the South, taking the Amtrak, trying various foods, going to a St. Paddy's Day Parade, riding through a parade on the back of a wheelchair, etc etc. And as much of the fun as I included in these blog posts, there was soo much more that I didn't include just because it would take too long to write about, or I didn't have any photographs, ....or it was inappropriate. But yeah, it was all well-worth it.

One of the biggest things I'll miss there is the Southern hospitality. It was one of the things I first noticed upon arrival, and it was something I noticed throughout the vacation. It helped me feel safe and comfortable even if I was in a dark, strange place. Everyone is super nice and friendly. I remember once when we got lost, we went into a restaurant to ask for directions and the owner came outside with us to point us in the right direction. He went totally out of his way just to help out a couple of stooges, who didn't look at a map before heading out! There were several occasions when we would cruise around and just find a couple of strangers that engaged us in casual conversation. Seriously, how often does that happen in Chicago? People would spit on you sooner than they would talk to you.

In the future, I would definitely love to go back. And you know the first thing I would do is grab me some Voodoo BBQ! :D

Spring Break 2013 - Day 5 - Train to Chicago

I've never been on an Amtrak before, but it's so wicked how much they got going on in this one train. Every cart (are they called carts?) has two levels. Sometimes they're both just seats for passengers. In some, the bottom is for passengers and the top is some nifty cool café or diner. Some carts are rooms and beds for fancy passengers or the train crew. 

I didn't get to take picture on the first train ride to, so I made sure I took pictures on the train ride back.

Hallway

Bathroom

Sleeping Carts - On either side are rooms and bunks

Dining Cart - It's like a diner in an Amtrak

Chill Cart - Come here to just chill.

Passengers Sit Here 

Spring Break 2013 - Day 4 - New Orleans, III

For our last meal before heading back to Chicago, we had to stop by at Voodoo BBQ & Grill one last time. It's only appropriate to end our trip the same way we started. Though I posted about eating it like every day, we actually had Voodoo more than once everyday--or at least I did. I can never get sick of it!

Some catfish thang, Mac n Cheese, and Gris Gris Greens

Spring Break 2013 - Day 4 - New Orleans, II

During the afternoon, we went to the WWII museum. We decided to get all dressed up for it. I'm not really sure why, but it felt pretty cool to be a bunch of tourists all dressed up and snazzy-looking.

Here's a picture of the WWII museum pin. This was our admission ticket.

Spring Break 2013 - Day 4 - New Orleans, I

Oh baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby.

I had lunch at Butcher today. It was good. Very good. It's like a gourmet something meat and sandwich place and it was so good! DROOOOOL!

Handsome Devil John posing with all the glorious meats!

Butcher Porchetta w/ Provolone & Kim Chi

This was soooo good! The meat was delicious and mooist and flavorful. Not enough kim chi though.

Corned Beef Sandwich w/ Pickled Radish & Horseradish Sour Cream 

Bleh. So dry. I got this cause I love corned beef. The corned beef was actually really good, but the radish didn't seem pickled & there was not enough horseradish sour cream to even taste what it is.

Spring Break 2013 - Day 3 - New Orleans, III

We ended the rowdy night with a seafood dinner at ... I can't remember the name...

Spring Break 2013 - Day 3 - New Orleans, II

We were so excited today, because we were going to the St. Paddy's Day Parade today. It was a bit of a trek, but it was well worth it.

Along the way, we got to explore the city more and we found some really interesting things. There are so many interesting fashion shops and talented street performers unlike anything we've ever seen in Chicago. Speaking of unlike anything we've ever seen in Chicago, check out this dude we saw on the street...

We don't know what he is or where he's going, but we were lucky to have snapped this quick photo before he got away.

It took us roughly 40 minutes to walk to where the Parade started. Even when we got there, it didn't start yet, so we just hung out at a pub..

A couple of hours later...
St Paddy's Day Parade

This was the best parade I've ever been to. It was much fun! Everyone is dancing and singing and enjoying each other's company. We got a ton of hugs and beads and smiles and beer and kisses even.

Later into the night, we even got to be part of the parade. Our friends formed a line with their wheelchairs and we just rode through the streets on the backs of their chairs.

Haha... my buddy Mike, another PA, and I taking a selfless selfie in the bathroom with all our swag gear.

Spring Break 2013 - Day 3 - New Orleans, I

When we start the day, we start the day off right...with some Voodoo BBQ & Grill, aiiite?

Brisket Sandwich, Mac n Cheese, & Sweet Potato Soufflé 

White Chocolate Bread Pudding -- A Newly, Discovered Favorite Dessert

Spring Break 2013 - Day 2 - New Orleans, III

At night, we hit up the world-famous Bourbon Street. Bars, dance clubs, blues & jazz clubs, unique shops, seafood restaurants, etc etc. There is so much energy and culture packed into this one long street. All persons, young and old, were super cheerful and sociable. Maybe they were just drunk. Oh yeah, I should say that in New Orleans, people are allowed to drink openly in the streets. I think the only other place in the U.S where that is legal is Las Vegas. Regardless, it was a good time. I found myself blending in with other groups or other people blending in with us. It's always fun to meet new people.

However, I have a word of caution for everyone: Do not bring children to Bourbon Street.
And if you are a child below the age of 18, do not come here.

Okay, having said that, let's move on with our story.

 It was fun. The end.

Here's another picture of Bourbon Street.

Spring Break 2013 - Day 2 - New Orleans, II

By the time we finished unpacking necessities, using the washroom, getting changed and everything, we were staaaarvvving!!! Actually, let me correct myself. Even before we did all that, we were starving. We carelessly left our snack luggage at the Champaign Train Station, so we didn't have food on the train ride. We were too stubborn to pay for the super-expensive train food, but I managed to steal waters for all of us. [Shhh.... don't tell the Captain]. Boy oh boy though, it was a rough 19 hour train ride to say the least.

Okay, so anyways, we were done getting ready and we were sooo ready to cop some grub! Along the way, I took some time to admire some of the houses around New Orleans.

Beautiful, Colorful House

Beautiful, Colorful House

Beautiful, Colorful Sign to a Restaurant.....that was closed

Beautiful, Colorful Decoration on Someone's Fence

I loved the variety around the whole city. Unlike Chicago, where I'm used to seeing houses that are exactly the same, every house and restaurant here had its own flavor and personality. Even if structurally, they may be similar, the paint job and decorations and this and that are all completely individual. Every house had a life of its own, and it was so awesome to see how intricate and amazing some designs could be.

Well, after about an hour of admiring houses that don't serve food and restaurants that are closed, we finally found a place that was open--Voodoo BBQ & Grill. Ohhh yeahhh!!!

This is a chain restaurant and it may not be the best taste of New Orleans, but we didn't care. We were hungry and it was good and we didn't have this type of stuff in Chicago.

The Graveyard Platter w/ Brisket, Jerk Chicken, Corn Pudding, Garlic Bread, and Voodoo BBQ Sauce

I hate taking pictures of food b/c my camera phone has the poorest quality known to modern civilization. Even though the picture doesn't do it justice, believe me, it was delicious!! I am drooling right now just thinking of it.

Spring Break 2013 - Day 2 - New Orleans, I

Bright and early! Hot and early!! Holy crap was it hot!! Coming from Champaign where it was like 20 degrees, we were NOT ready for this 80 degree weather. It was beautiful though... I shouldn't be complaining in this post.

Here is a picture of the train station we just got out from but really, this picture is to give you an idea of how lovely New Orleans looked. Palm trees, clear blue sky, clean sidewalks!

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Okay, as we make our way further away from the train station and into downtown New Orleans where our hotel was, we realized it was NOT clean. There's debris everywhere and there were streets that were so shoddy and non-accessible, we sometimes had to lift up the wheelchairs over the curbs. Another first impression about New Orleans. There is a lot of homelessnesss. However, all the homeless persons on the street are really nice and friendly. This must be that Southern hospitality. I like it.

Spring Break 2013 - Day 1 - Train to New Orleans

A little while ago, I decided to go on a Spring Break trip to New Orleans with my friends, so I can PA for them. It was a really hard decision.

On one hand, it was really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I get a free trip with pay; I would only have to pay for food and souvenirs or whatever. In addition, I get to experience the culture and the community of New Orleans. I've been to the North, East, West, Midwest--I can finally get a taste of the South. Lastly, I get to help give my friends a trip of a lifetime! Being in wheelchairs, there are perceived limitations when it comes to travelling. However, they overlooked the obstacles and decided that they were going to go on this trip! Why wouldn't I want to be a part of that.

On the other hand, I would only be able to be back home for half of Spring Break. It was tough because at this point in the school year, I was already incredibly homesick. I wanted to be home and see my family and friends. That's it--plain and simple--I missed my family and friends. 

After talking to my mom and sister, they encouraged me to go on the trip. They understood that I missed them, but they knew I may not have such an opportunity again. They reasoned that I would still be able to be home, even if it's a little later and for a shorter amount of time--and I'll have fun in New Orleans, so why not? 

Come today though, I was regretting my decision. My UIUC friends were staying another day or so, but I had to leave a day earlier to catch my bus. When I was saying bye, I just kept thinking, "I don't care about New Orleans. I just want to hang out for a little bit longer and then go home to my family!" It felt horrible. It took a long phone call with Becky to finally calm me down. 

Once I was calm though, I remembered why I was going on the trip again--and I was super excited! I met up with the guys, helped them pack their things, headed off to the station, and got on the train. Nineteen hours from now, we'll be in the diirrrty South in good ol' New Orleans.