Over the weekend, my friends Ram and Sthito, and I went on a short trip to New Orleans. The city had so much to explore, but it was the history that caught our attention the most. There were so many thoughts in my mind that I wanted to write them down—not just to remember but to reflect and learn, both for myself and from the world around me.
When I first stepped into New Orleans, it felt like stepping into another world. The air was warm, the streets were alive with music, as if every corner whispered a story. I initially thought it was just a trip to explore a new place, but it turned out to be so much more— it opened me up to lot of history and culture.
Learning History Where It Happened
History is easier to digest when you’re physically there—when the names you read in books align with the landmarks around you.
New Orleans was founded in 18th century by the French, it later came under Spanish control before being sold to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
We visited Beckam's book Store to pick up a few books. While browsing, my attention was drawn to the title The Huddled Masses: The Immigrant in American Society by Alan M. Kraut. I started flipping through its pages right there. It talks about the struggles of immigrants in America and offers a unique perspective on the concept of immigration itself. Being in New Orleans, where so much history happened, made the book feel real.
For instance, there is a place called Canal Street, which once divided the French and American sides of the city. Long ago, Black people weren’t allowed to cross into the American side because they were friendly with the French. The past felt painfully present as I stood at this boundary.
Andrew Jackson: Hero or Villain?
We also visited Jackson Square where there is a towering statue of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States. He was celebrated as a hero for leading troops to victory in the Battle of New Orleans, which played a big role in shaping America’s identity. But Jackson’s legacy is complicated. While he is honoured for his bravery, he also made decisions, like the Indian Removal Act, that caused suffering for many Native Americans.
Standing in that square, with the St. Louis Cathedral behind me, re-emphasised how history isn’t black and white—it’s full of shades of gray.
Food That Tells a Story
New Orleans is famous for its food, and we indulged in everything from Jambalaya to Gumbo, and, to the iconic Beignets. Each dish felt like a piece of the city’s story. If it weren’t for my friends, I wouldn’t have stayed so curious about its food. Thanks to them.
I later visited the Napoleon House on Chartres Street. The staff didn’t make me feel very welcome, but the food was worth it. It reminded me that even in places where you don’t feel at home, there’s always something good if you look for it—or taste it.
The Soulful Birthplace of Jazz
As we explored more of New Orleans, we discovered that it is also the birthplace of jazz—a fact that added a whole new layer of appreciation for the city. Jazz was born in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, blending African rhythms, European instruments, and Creole influences to create a sound unlike anything else. Walking through the French Quarter, with jazz music spilling out of clubs and street performances, it was easy to see how this music became the heartbeat of the city.
The Mystery of Voodoo
New Orleans is also famous for its connection to Voodoo. I didn’t know much about it before, but I learned that it’s a mix of African spiritual practices, Catholicism, and local traditions. It’s not about curses and dark magic like the Hollywood movies show—it’s about healing, protection, and connecting with ancestors that the people practice for generations.
It was fascinating to see how something misunderstood by so many is actually such a big part of the city’s culture.
📋 I had come across similar themes in Octavia Butler’s books, where history, culture, and identity intertwine so powerfully
A City That Stays With You
New Orleans is a city that celebrates life with its music, food, and vibrant streets, but it also carries the weight of history, struggles, and resilience.
What made this trip even more special was Hemanth's involvement, despite being back in India. Thanks to the minimal time difference, he became my digital guide. He has always been a digital traveler, exploring the world through screens, maps, and stories. From helping me through the city’s winding streets to sharing captivating insights about its food, culture, and history, he, along with my friends Ram and Sthito, ensured I experienced the city in ways I might have otherwise overlooked.
As I left, I realised this trip wasn’t just about seeing new things—it was about understanding the layers of a city and, in turn, understanding more about myself. For the first time, I was fully present. Every street, every story, and every experience seemed to draw me in completely.
New Orleans seems like a place to go when visiting USA. Next time, then :)