My wife and I have lived in the French Quarter for over 40 years and wouldn't dream of living anyplace else, even though it's like living in a third world country. We moved here from a house on the beach in Carmel, CA, and when we were at parties, people would ask " why would you move from lovely Carmel to dirty New Orleans?" My pat answer was always " I'd rather live someplace interesting and fun than someplace perfect and boring!" There are so many cultural elements - from the intricacies of a formal Mardi Gras Ball to the call and response of Congo Square to the Indians...all of which take years upon years of study to understand and appreciate. Sure, you can live an easier life in an asphalt jungle like Houston or Atlanta in a suburb where you just wave at your neighbors when you park your car in your driveway, but I prefer a city where you know and see almost all of your neighbors on a daily basis, primarily because you walk to do errands, not drive. I'd hate to live someplace where I'd have to drive or take public transportation. We have cars to evacuate for hurricanes, even though we've never done so and to go to Costco once a week. And this goes without saying the obvious - the food here is off the charts!
Jeffery |
New Orleans, LA |