I am not a sports fan. I am, however, a fan of the camaraderie sports can create.
My husband and I spent the weekend in New Orleans. Although we did not go to the game, it was rich with positive human encounters. We ran into several people over and over which was fun and funny in a crowd of several hundred thousand.
I started to write a detailed account of the two days but decided instead to share some highpoints. And for context, the weather each day was bright & shiny, in the sixties with a cool breeze.
Saturday afternoon we strolled up Royal St., beautifully decorated for the holiday and at one point saw a men’s singing group performing in the middle of the street all dressed in pale lime-green suits. At the James Michalopoulos gallery we viewed the original painting of the 2013 jazz fest poster featuring Aaron Neville. It’s quite ethereal.
On Sunday we walked down the middle of Poydras St. in front of the Dome along with thousands of fans decked out in their fan finery. To our right was a white building with ivy growing up the front and a brass band jamming on the roof, sharing their gift. Further down were some Mardi Gras Indians looking really good.
The fans were joyous and having a blast. People from many different worlds creating so much great energy together. I’m thinking it was the energy from the crowd that caused the surge that caused the blackout.
The only thing in my memory that compares to last Sunday was hanging at the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta. Come to think of it, Louisiana right now reminds me a lot of Atlanta during the 90s.
As always, I’d love to hear what you think!
Melissa Elliott says
Laura,
I enjoyed reading your story about your NewOrleans visit.
I ,unfortunately, will miss your visit to our SHRM chapter this month. We have our sales meeting Thursday at Noon. I told our chapter about you after meeting you in Baton Rouge. I hope you meet some great folks and I know you will be well received. Thank you for coming to speak! I hope to see you soon. Sincerely Mel Elliott
Laura says
Hey Melissa – Thanks for reading! I’m really looking forward to the NRHRA meeting. Sorry you won’t be there. LW