Preparation and Expectations
I have been checking the weather every day as the trip has come closer and closer to prepare for what to pack. I am bringing plenty of layers as I know I can take layers off if I get warm and put layers back on if I get too cold. I packed a mixture of casual clothes like jeans and tops and made sure to put some dressier clothes just in case we go out at night. As far as personal items, I will be bringing my laptop of course, cell phone, a fan which is a must for me to sleep to name some examples. As far as educational, I will be bringing a notebook, again my laptop and I will also be bringing the comprehensive ATI book to read during downtime to prepare for Internship next semester. As far as food, I will pack beef jerky and cashews if I get hungry and think that is a good snack to keep me full between meals. Some of the purchases I have made for the trip are a light weight jacket, a couple new pairs of jeans and ZZquil to help me sleep. Research I have done for the trip in regards to populations is Creoles vs Cajuns, discrimination and diversity. I have also looked up some fun places to go and I heard Irene's has a mouth watering chicken marsala that I would not mind trying. In regards to arrangements for being gone from my "normal life," I don't have any pets or children so I come and go as I please. I will however make some meals for my boyfriend before I leave as I can't leave him to starve (haha.) As far as preparation for the train, I am packing a pillow and blanket, a charger and plenty of sleep aids as I want to make sure I get plenty of sleep and be as comfy and cozy as I can be. Preparation for the trip has been keeping up with the blogs and research so I can be all ready to go. 

I feel like this is going to be an unforgettable experience. I have heard a lot of wonderful things about New Orleans as far as the food, night life, history and art. I want to soak in absorb as much as I can. It is hard to put into words the excitement I feel. I think the course will include a lot of description and detail in regards to writings and blogs which I am trying to work on as I have never blogged before. I think the trip will be busy but a good busy. With this course, I hope to gain a better understanding of the ins and outs of New Orleans while becoming a better descriptive writer. I took this class for the experience and also as this will be my last upper gen ed course before graduation in May. I want to learn how to become a better descriptive writer and I feel like the readings have already helped aid me in that direction. I want to experience a different way of life. I like learning about different areas of the country and how they live while being able to describe in a way that people can not only read but hopefully have a feeling or an emotion about. I am looking forward to some good food and drinks while exploring and marking this trip off of my must visit list. 

Urban Expectations
I was born and raised in St. Louis so when I imagine a city it really depends on the time of day, if it is first thing in the morning, typically there is a chill in the air as the sun hasn't made passed the tall buildings yet. I imagine loud music from cars, horns blowing from cabs or disgruntled late drivers, sirens from emergency response vehicles or the beeping of backing up delivery vehicles. I also imagine a variety of different smells from restaurants and exhaust from vehicles. I see everyone rushing to get to get to work and wearing a variety of different clothes for example, suits, scrubs or uniforms. The only thing I taste is the coffee I just took a quick sip of while waiting for the light to change to walk. Large cities are a busy place where you just need to keep up or step aside. I imagine New Orleans to be busy but in a different way as we will be tourists and have plenty of time of on our hands opposed to someone rushing to work. I imagine there being so much to see and soak in that time may fly by and I will need to go back. 
I gave the descriptions I gave out of personal experience. I have been there and done that in a larger city. I have been a part of a hectic morning in the city, the commute and traffic are not something I am a stranger to. I have also visited a lot of larger cities and my aunts live in downtown Chicago which is even busier than St. Louis if that is possible. A lot more people visit Chicago so there is a larger tourist population there which can increase the traffic and hustle and bustle. It seems like the only description I can think of when describing New Orleans is from the movies and it seems like it is always Mardi Gras which is not when we are going obviously so I look forward to what we have planned on our itinerary. Some of the assumptions I will make are a busy night life and amazing food. I feel like these assumptions are the most accurate as these are the things I have heard the most about.  One negative thing I just heard was a large amount of pick pocketers which I think happens in every city so I will continue to be aware of my surroundings and use the street smarts I've been taught. My past travel experiences will help make this trip successful as I am used to traveling and am easy going. My biggest worry is not knowing a lot of the travelers very well and no-one looks after you like close friends but I look forward to meeting everyone and making memories together. I also look forward to learning how to show and not tell as I feel I am guilty of telling usually. Bring it on New Orleans. Below are some of my favorite pictures of back home in St. Louis.