"The Big Easy" But It's Not So Easy

It has been a while, I know. There is just a lot going on with settling in as the days (and summer) flies by. I wanted to continue the back story but thought I would do that in between the current entries so there aren't so many time gaps.


Something strikes you here in New Orleans when you start to settle in. The pace here is slooooowwwwww EXCEPT on the road. The roads are rough-figuratively and literally. As you swerve to avoid potholes, bumps, and debris, you also play the New Orleans version of the Road Warrior. Part of that comes from the layout where U-turns are a way of life here. They are not the U-turns we would use in Dallas if we missed our turn. No, these are lanes all over the place to help you navigate. Cars come from all directions, Fast and Furious. Don't even try to wave in hopes someone will let you in or cross-not going to happen. You have to learn the way of the drivers in Plano, Frisco, and North Dallas and apply those skills here if you want to survive on the roads. Quite simply, barrel along 10-15 miles per hour over the speed limit while you talk on the phone and use your large vehicle's auto-pilot. Sorry to anyone in those locales-yes, its a (small) exaggeration, or is it? It's not that the drivers here are rude-its more that they are pre-occupied and with what I have no clue. I do have a theory, though.


My theory is that everyone is in such a rush on the road because once they get where they are going, the pace comes to almost a dead halt. If you are arriving to your favorite restaurant, you will be eating a long, leisurely meal as you talk with friends/family/strangers about life and the next meal. If you are going shopping, you will be taking a while as there are lines (and I mean long lines) at almost every store. I'll save the Wal Mart story for another time but just picture Friday night at 10 with EVERY checkout open and every checkout with 10-20 people deep waiting, waiting, waiting... All essential things have lines and waits that dwarf anything I can recall in Dallas. Doctor offices, the DMV (and, oh, I dread that trip), anywhere you have an appointment, appearance, or interview-there will be a wait and likely a long one. Thankfully, time stands still in the French Quarter though-it's true-look it up.

So far, the people here are amazing. The atmosphere, food, all of it is amazing except when you are on the road. When its time to head out to your destination, put on your protective gear, load up your armored vehicle, fire up the Internet ready phone, turn on your headlights so you can maybe be seen, and just start honking the horn (EVERYONE HERE LOVES THEIR CAR HORNS!!!!). It will not be an easy breezy Sunday drive but the stress will flow away when you finally get where you are going in The Big Easy.