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The magical jazz infused city of New Orleans My second solo trip brought me home. Home to a place that I had never been, but that my ancestors had walked and graced the streets of. I instantly felt connected to New Orleans once I stepped off the plane. I was intrigued and invigorated by the jazz music playing in the French Quarter, smell of the murky wet streets, and lively people prancing with a pep in their walk. All the old Haitian architect around the city had me in awe. There was still a faint beauty of the ruined building and homes from the aftermath of Katrina. No place like home. I felt alive walking down Canal Street. As a spiritual person, the spirits were alive walking with me, watching me, and keeping me near their good graces. I truly felt it when visiting one of the most prominent Vodou museums in the city: The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum. The drums, the silent rumbling, the smell of incense took over me. I was in a trance and paid my respects. So, overcome with emotion I walked out to get fresh air. Realizing there was more too see, I walked back in and made sure to visit every room. Every room was different, but carried a heavy essence of spiritual force rooted deeply in the Haitian culture. As a vegetarian in a deep south, it pained me that I could not bask in my native Afro-Creole dishes. However, there was a place that specialized in vegan soul food. The taste of jambalaya, gumbo, and grits could not have tasted any better. That’s what you call that down-home Southern cooking where they put their foot in it! As a touristy person, visiting the insectarium, Popeyes’, and Cajun market was a must. I had planned a great trip that also included a college basketball game at Xavier University and a bayou tour. I roamed around the streets at night unafraid. After all, I was home. From my hotel I walked to my evening pole class. It was only right! As a person who loves the aerial arts and pole fitness, the class was very suiting. I felt welcomed. It was as if I had come to the class on a weekly basis and was joining old friends I had met. I was enraptured by the city’s magical essence. Everything felt so alive. Inanimate or animate, everything breathed life into my young awakened spirit and welcomed me home. A city I had never been, a state home to family members and ancestors, streets filled with eerie jazz music and spirits, food home grown, air that gave me oxygen to breathe. My solo travels soared after this trip. This was the only place that instantly felt like I belonged. I notice that when I travel to whatever place its as if I’m in search of something or someone. In New Orleans, I searched and found my connection to my spirit, to my being, to my essence of who I am a woman. I found me. I found my adult self. I became whole. There were pieces and connections that tied to this magical city that was spiritual and ancestral. Through those entities it led me closer to myself, to my home.