I live in Nashville now. But I have been back several times. Everyone should go and see it. Don’t just visit the Quarter or Uptown. I lived Uptown but I grew up in MidCity right next to the Fairgrounds where Jazzfest is held. I had family all over the city, including New Orleans East and the Ninth Ward. If you have been to these parts of the city before, you’d appreciate the devastation and how bad it was and still is now—a year later. What’s hit me the most is New Orleans is (was) made up of several distinct neighborhoods each with their own spirit and life. To see neighborhoods where kids were always playing in the street and grandmothers sat on porches and corner groceries where everyone gathered are now deserted.

Go for Mardi Gras, go to Jazzfest….those help drive the tourism economy that has been the lifeblood of the city. She’s hurt, she’s a lot sadder and weary but, she’s still there and will welcome you…maybe not quite in the fashion she is used to doing….but she will nonetheless….

I just hope that all that called her home will return. More than the food, music and architecture…New Orleans is her people. The people made all the things that make her great. I live in Tennessee now but, my heart and soul belongs to New Orleans…I will return one day.