New Orleans, city of Spanish and French influence. A place so juxtaposed between historically preserved and uniquely its own. The houses looked so delicately french with their skinny tall doors and intricate ironwork but also so eccentric and modern with it bright colors clashing together so harmoniously. Traditional foods like shrimp and rice but an explosion of unexpected creole and cajun spices in your mouth.

The locals treasure their city- you can tell. To describe their culture and the houses I noticed the locals would often use words like priceless and precious. We tried to hit up all the historic neighborhoods (Marigny, Garden District, Uptown, Warehouse District) to taste the flavor of place not just by trying the food but also admiring the architecture- the houses really are gems. The tall ceilings, moldings galore, colorful shutters, cool light fixtures and flags (French, Spain, Dominican, Puerto Rico) - so many flags! The houses of New Orleans were so alluring and enticed our curiosity - what was life like behind those doors? I know it's not easy to restore and maintain historic homes (especially after so many hurricanes) but New Orleanians make it looks so effortless with their laid back charm. What I loved most about New Orleans was their way of life it. Oh so... Joie de Vivre!