And the countdown is on... (Course Expectations)

As I continue to count down days, I realize that today I am only 9 days (in the single digits now!) away from my travel adventures to New Orleans! After my week of finals, I will be ready to say the least to take this exciting travel course this semester. On our way down to New Orleans, we will be riding what is called the City of New Orleans train. I'm extremely excited about this transportation opportunity because it allows us to be able to view the scenery as we travel. They even have a train car set aside just for viewing the scenery, how awesome is that?! I picture this trip to not only be full of scenery, but also full of history. New Orleans is known for some of the oldest French history in the United States, and I am more than excited to be able to have the opportunity to experience it. Throughout this course, I will have the opportunity to experience the culture first hand throughout many opportunities such as touring the French Quarter and taking a ghost tour. I'm planning on doing a lot of creative writing in this course (which is also one of my favorite things to do) in order to keep a journal and blog about my travel experiences. 

Taken from Google Images

Throughout my blog, I'll also be mentioning information about the course that I am taking as well as the different experiences and memories that I am making along the way. I'm hoping to increase my knowledge about the history of New Orleans throughout this course. One of the main reasons that I took this course was because I felt that it was an excellent opportunity to be exposed to a various variety of people and cultures at face value. As a nursing student, it is vitally important to learn how to become culturally sensitive to all cultures. I feel that there is no better way to learn about history and unique cultures then to experience them first hand! I hope that after this course I will have extended my knowledge and will have great memories that will last throughout my entire nursing career.

Taken from my trip to New Orleans in 2013

When talking about history, one of the things that I mentioned above is that I will be touring the French Quarter. This is one of the experiences that I am looking forward to most and want to learn more about! The last time I was in New Orleans, I did not have the opportunity to go to the French Quarter. I want to learn more about the French history, and be able to watch the different people and view the different restaurants that are there as well. Most of all though, I am excited to try the decadent cuisine that New Orleans has to offer. From gumbo to crayfish to jambalaya, the foods here are quite different from Illinois and I am excited to try them all! We're even going on a cuisine tour during this trip as well (there will be lots of pictures to come). I'm excited to start this adventure in just 9 short days, and to be making memories that will last a lifetime!

Jambalaya (taken from Google images)

Until next time,

Hannah