By Stephanie Ford
October 2017
NOLA. One of my favorite cities on the planet. Every year, I want to see different places and experience new things, but New Orleans always draws me back. There is something so magical about this city. I feel like my senses are on fire the moment I arrive. The different neighborhoods of the city are like microcosms of their own culture. The food is hands-down the best in the world with a legendary eatery around every corner. From Mardi Gras to Voodoo Fest, there is always a reason to celebrate in NOLA. The energy is incomparable and so positive. The history and culture is so magnetic and magnificent. I always feel like I belong there. Like a soul mate, It’s my soul city.
My favorite time of year is Halloween and what better place to be than the mysterious city of New Orleans. It is known for its history of Voodoo, witchcraft, and dark lore with a supernatural semblance you can almost feel. My camera is on autopilot capturing shots of the historical architecture, colorful shotgun homes, the food, and the people. It is so easy to lose oneself through the viewfinder.
During Halloween, there is a vast array of events, but the best is the Krewe de Boo Halloween parade. It is a must-see event filled with different participating Krewes with extravagant floats and costumes. I always leave with a bag full of candy, beads, and souvenir cups. Each day conjures up something new to explore. It’s a colorful party for the senses of sights, smells, and sounds. It’s a like the comforting feeling of an old friend that makes you happy.
This year, I participated in a walking tour and visited the beautiful St. Louis Cemetary No.1. This cemetary is one of the most famous and oldest in the country with eerily beautiful orante above ground tombs, encapsulating thier dead for eternity. From its history, you will find the final resting place of the famous Voodoo Priestess, Marie Laveau and the future resting place of Nicolas Cage’s pre-paid pyramid tomb, sticking out like a sore thumb. Some say, he might be hoarding money in there. Every time I visit, I see or find something new to do and I fall deeper in love with the city I already cherish. The Big Easy will always be apart of my heart. It’s a place like no other and never will be.
“People don’t live in New Orleans because it is easy. They love here because they are incapable of living anywhere else in just the same way.” -Ian McNulty
Stephanie Ford 