I recently returned from a solo trip to New Orleans. It’s been 25yrs since I’ve explored the city and never with any of my film cameras. I was a little anxious about traveling solo until I stepped out of my hotel and into one of the most charming cities in the United States. I immediately felt welcomed. Everywhere I wandered I was met with Southern hospitality, smiles, kindness, delight, and music.

Jazz music in the French Quarter has my heart. Street corner musicians playing and the crowds gathered to dance….the best of humanity! Dirty Rotten Vipers below.

“It’s the cradle of music; it just flipped me. Someone suggested there’s an incomplete part of our chromosomes that gets repaired or found when we hit New Orleans. Some of us just belong there.” John Goodman

“Every time I close my eyes blowing that trumpet of mine, I look right into the heart of good old New Orleans. It has given me something to live for.” Louis Armstrong

The late day light and the streetcars were magical.

There’s a culture of soulfulness and spirituality to New Orleans that I fell in love with. Music, food, history, architecture, and humanity abound.

I was delighted by New Orleans! I’m already looking forward to wandering there again with my camera.

~ Laura Yurs