New Orleans Day One!

Today has been the longest day in the history of the universe. For me it started at 4:30 with a trip to the donut cutter, then a spice girl filled bus ride to the airport, a short little plane ride and an introduction to the amazing city of New Orleans (or as people here tend to refer to it, Nawleans). Every part of the day has been perfect. Our hotel is gorgeous. The elevators are extremely fancy, with little keypads that tell you which elevator is coming to pick you up. I think that’s my favorite part. After we looked around the hotel, we went to explore the city, and check into the national gathering. While waiting for the advisors to check us in, we started a little game. We asked every group that walked by us what state they were from, and the results were interesting! Surprisingly enough, Minnesota and California were the states that had the most groups out of those that passed us. Next we looked for somewhere to eat! With so many hungry teens here, it was rough finding a place to eat that could seat all 16 of us. Finally after a little walking and determination, we found a delicious little restaurant. The food here is incredible. It’s probably my favorite part of the city so far. I’ve been here less than one day, and already I’ve tried seafood gumbo, alligator balls, shrimp creole, fried oysters, and famous garlic fries. YUM! I think food is something we’ll be looking forward to all week. The day ended with a trip to this little place called Preservation Hall, where they play the best jazz music ever! The room was seriously crowded and hotter than the air outside. Every single space was filled with people, and music. The trumpet player/lead singer had an astonishing voice that was so sweet, I was sad to leave. The piano player was inspirational. The trombone player taught me the possibilities of what a trombone could actually sound like, which I really didn’t know until tonight. The saxophone was so smooth. Finally, the drummer and bass player had personality unparalleled by anyone I’ve ever seen perform. The last last thing we experienced before we reached the hotel for the night was Bourbon Street, which was pretty interesting. Let’s just say all kinds of people roam that street at night! Back at the hotel we’re experiencing a stuck elevator, but luckily all of S.T.A.G.E. is safe and sound in our hotel rooms. The first day has been incredible and full of new experiences! New Orleans is so fun! None of us ever want to leave! I can’t wait to see what we’ll be doing at the Gathering tomorrow. 

-Moriah

P.S. CONGRATS TO MIRANDA AND NICK ON A SUCESSFUL FIRST FLIGHT!!!