Outer Journey
Today my favorite experience was the cuisine tour. I loved going into all the different diverse restaurants and learning each restaurants history. The food was delicious, and I loved trying a wide variety of taste. Miss Lisette was so interesting to listen to in the open courtyard as she taught us how woman cooked and did laundry and raised the children. I enjoyed learning the flavors and where the spices came from and how all the different ethical group had influence and contributed to the unique flavors of Louisiana. As a cook, I learned many things that I can’t wait to go home and try with my family. Our next stop to Antoine’s was recommended to me before the trip so I was very excited to learn about this very historical restaurant. I was fascinated by the history. I loved the family feeling I received as we entered the back rooms and saw the big dining tables where parties were held, and people socialized. I could imagine the fancy gowns and the jewelry and all the impressing that each family possibly was trying to do. I enjoyed seeing all the gifts that were brought to the Antoine family and I think it is neat that some people still bring a gift to the family to this day. I loved the exposed brick throughout the restaurant and how they continue to keep the long living history of this family. The idea that the era of this family still lives upstairs was an interesting fact and contributed to the family feeling I felt here. Remoulade was another stop which is where I found my favorite dish which took me by surprise. At Remoulade, we were served shrimp tossed in a special sauce with Louisiana flare. It’s a creole spice that wasn’t hot spice but just spiced. Served with this flavorful shrimp was turtle soup. The turtle soup was my favorite. I did not think I would like turtle soup. Contrary to what I was expecting, the turtle was very tender but meaty and the flavor was a settle delicious mild flavor that was satisfying. It was filling but not too filling. The consistency paired beautifully with the shrimp tossed in this native sauce. Now, these are not all the restaurants we experienced on this tour but just some of my fonder memories. This tour was very special because of the privileges we were granted to see and the food we were served.
As I listened to the history of the Cathedral, I realized more than ever why tradition in the Catholic church is so important to Catholics. It is fascinating to me to think about all the generations including slaves that have gone to this cathedral to worship and all the babies that were baptized in the same baptism that stands there today. This is generation after generation after generation. I am Irish and I thought to myself, ‘Could any of my ancients have come to this country through New Orleans which would have meant my ancestors could have possibly be baptized here?’ Even if I did not have ancestors who came through New Orleans to this country, coming to this church and listening to history brought more and new understanding to my religious heritage. A new appreciation of my religion was found on this tour. I also appreciated learning about the nuns and the work they did, and each of the cases they fought and served for. I did not realize how influenceable they were. They fought for causes that no one was fighting for which was impressive to me. The wisdom of these nuns intrigued me along with their dedication to their service and devotion to God and the people of the city. This challenged me to be more devoted to my family and eventually my patients. Being a mother and a nurse is self-sacrificing through selflessness and the example of these nuns was inspiring. I think these nuns started the first women’s movement. We just don’t say it like that because that isn’t acceptable within the church.
No comments:
Post a Comment