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.