N is for New Orleans, because like Ecuador, New Orleans the city and culture play a big part in Peril in the Bayou.
I feel like New Orleans is every American's town. Kind of like everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day. If you've ever been there, it's probably stayed in your blood. If you haven't, you probably know a little about it from TV, movies, or your best friend's second cousin.
Everyone knows about the city at the mouth of the Mississippi river, Mardi Gras, corrupt cops, prostitution, alcohol, voodoo. You probably even know about the beautiful architecture, the cathedrals, the jazz funerals and the French Quarter. Modern television through True Blood, The Originals, and NCIS:New Orleans all do a good job of depicting, at least, parts of the city and culture.
But did you know:
The first opera ever performed in the U.S. was in New Orleans in 1796? True. It wasn't always the den of iniquity. The opera was Ernest Grétry's Sylvain.
It is believed that the games of poker and craps were both developed in New Orleans. Okay so maybe it is akin to sin city.
Voodoo was first introduced in the U.S. in New Orleans.
When we think of large cities in the Confederacy we tend to think of Charleston or Atlanta. But New Orleans was the largest city of the Confederate States.
Jazz, Rock and Roll and Blues music were all born in New Orleans. Although Memphis would like to claim a few of those.
Because the city actually sits below sea level and the water table is barely under the surface, tombs are above ground in cemeteries so they don't wash away.
Jean LaFitte's treasure is still rumored to be buried there.
The longest continuous bridge in the world is New Orlean's Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. (Pronounced Ponch- a - train)
And if you really want to claim New Orleans as your own, be sure to pronounce it New Or luns, not Or leans.
Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Monday we will meet and get to know the illustrious New Orleans defense attorney Samantha Orlando.
If you are looking for other A to Z bloggers, click here.
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Scarlett, Loving life in Cuenca!
My hubby has always wanted to visit New Orleans because he is a great fan of jazz. Me I would like to try the food.
ReplyDeleteTypo alert by the way, iniquity not inequity.
Good Morning Jo! Put that trip on a bucket list and then cross it off. It's a great place to go at least once! Be sure and try the pralines and beignets. New Orleans is the only place you can get real ones. Thanks for the alert, I corrected it! Have a great weekend.
DeleteA trip to New Orleans is on my list. I'm a Gothic writer and voodoo is on the menu. thanks for this interesting review of the city.
ReplyDelete@SorchiaDubois
Sorchia’s Universe
With a name like Dubois you definitely need to visit New Orleans! If you are not from the south, don't go in the summer though, the heat and humidity will put a damper on your trip. Thanks for coming by and reading my blog!
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