Fifty-six travellers from South Huron District High School set out in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday bound for the Big Easy. The trip, populated by senior music students as well as members of our school chapter of Habitat for Humanity, are setting out to learn a lot about the culture, history, people and music of New Orleans.
Our first day was no disappointment. Although many of us have been awake for almost 42 hours straight (small 5-10 minute cat naps here and there only) many would say they would do it all over again.
We arrived in New Orleans in the mid morning on Wednesday. We immediately took a trip to the Backstreet Cultural Museum, a collection of memorabilia related to second line parades, Mardi Gras Indians and general New Orleans street culture. This museum, located in the historic Treme neighborhood, is owned and operated by Sylvester Francis. The man is a fountain of knowledge and experience, and we learned a great deal from him and his daughter Dominique.
Next up, our students were treated to a lunch and performance from legendary jazz musician Kermit Ruffins and his daugther's band. He cooked legitimate southern chicken, catfish and wings for us, and even treated us to a performance as well.
A highlight was when our very own Jazz Combo got up on stage and performed a couple of numbers.
After a group photo, we were taken on a three hour city tour by local tour guide, Candy. We learned all about the neighborhoods in New Orleans, the effect of the devistation of Katrina, as well as the amazing rebuilding efforts that are ongoing in the city.
In what ended up being a very dramatic and meaningful end to the day, Mardi Gras Indian Cheif Shaka Zulu cooked a traditional New Orleans meal for us, as well as gave us a lecture on the history and function of Mardi Gras Indians in New Orleans. His words and manner of delivery were incredible, and so was the food!
After a very long day (or more), we're now turning in, and getting ready for another amazing day tomorrow!
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