Fourteen days in one city seems enough for a vacation, but for a place to feel like home? The amount of time I’ve been here can't be long enough to be this comfortable. I already know that four months is not going to be long enough for me to be satisfied. The thought of leaving already makes me ache. What is it about this city that invigorates me so much? There is a life about New Orleans that I’d be hard-pressed to find in many other places. There is something about these people that makes this city so alive. A place can only be as worthy as it’s occupants, for they set the scene that is New Orleans. Be it positive or negative, a person’s attitude will affect the nature of the city. My experience of New Orleans is influenced by the people I meet and interact with.
While one of my first impressions of the city was one most would use as an example of an offensive experience, I tend to look at it as another layer to this already rich city. Maybe it's not the most welcome impression, but I don't think my view can be colored by just one experience. I was test-riding a bike from bicycle Michael’s, located on Frenchmen. Of course, my knowledge of the city and sense of direction were lacking at the time and I got lost. I turned down one street feeling confused and a little anxious to find my way back and passed two younger teenage girls. Being the person I am and following the precedent of a friend of mine who had lived here a year ago, I did a "hello" nod and smiled. Apparently, they weren't in the same frame of mind as I and shot a few rude comments, one including a sarcastic, "nice bike, bitch." while the comment took me off guard, I just kind of ignored it and rode on, thinking for sure, my bike riding career was now over.
The more I thought about this very isolated event, the more I realized, not everyone is out to make my experience here a bad one. I ride my bike around everywhere, as it is my only mode of transport, and I love it. In fact, every time I wave, smile, or shout a "how ya'll doin?" at people around the city, everyone responds graciously with the same enthusiastic reply. This particular interaction with the locals of New Orleans was a bit disheartening. I am able to look at it as a rare moment, for I have had too many gratifying experiences to let this one mean too much.
While this place is it's own setting, the people are there to complete its scene. The people of New Orleans, whether local or just passing through, are going to make an impression on the city and affect the way it is viewed. For better or worse, this city is what it is. I cannot take seriously the unpleasant things that happen here for they are so remote. I still cannot ignore these unpleasantries either, as I realize both good and bad situations will make up my view of a place. Regardless of the good and the bad, I cannot change the fact that New Orleans feels like home for me.
3 comments:
Is this sarcasm?
Alyse,
I enjoy your approach to the assignment: that you are using a specific thing (riding your bike) as a tool to discuss your observations about people, attitudes. I also think the concept of 'home' is very rich--what makes a place feel like home? I would encourage you to continue to explore this in more detail. Jason Richards wrote a great essay on this topic last year (in the Stories of New Orleans book) that you may find interesting.
If I distill your piece down, however, I feel like you're lacking specifics. In essence, you're saying: some people you meet are rude, some people are gracious--and you can't let any one interaction determine your perception of a place...but isn't that true of every city or town? What makes that experience unique in New Orleans? What about the people here is different than other places?
I think if you get more specific (for example: what other gratifying experiences have you had here so far?) the piece feel more substantial. You have quite a few sentences that hint at big ideas, but remain too vague, for example:
"while this place is it's own setting," "for better or worse, this city is what it is"..."the good and the bad"... The more concrete and specifically descriptive you can be, the more the reader will be able to glean more from your writing.
Your piece could also be strengthened with some reorganization--grouping everything that refers to the rude folks together and then making a clear transition to your discussion of the friendly people you've met. You seem to bounce back and forth in a way that obscures your point.
Finally, while I like the title (it's got kick), I don't think it's actually speaking to your point. In the end the story is about YOU feeling at home...not the one specific interaction with those girls.
Keep on going with your exploration of what, exactly, it is about this place that really speaks to you. The idea of layers which you allude to is a fantastic start.
Liz
I'm so glad you wrote this. I was having a rough time lately and stumbled across this blog. After reading your post I thought "If this girl can get through that horrible experience, I too can go on with life. I mean if she can handle such a life shattering experience, being called a name, and not even hold a grudge, maybe I too can handle the tragedies my life will have."
You made me a stronger person.
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