My free day

Today was the day I got to go exploring on my own and I will say that Marie Laveaus Authentic shop was on the top of my list. Voodoo is something that I find absolutely fascinating and when I stepped up the two large stone steps into the shop my eyes were overwhelmed at what I saw. I wish that I could have taken pictures but I will try to paint the picture for you the best that I can. Everywhere you

looked in this shop you could see something that was sewn together, carved, and had taken possibly hours to make.
The memorial to Marie Laveau was beautifully put together in remembrance of her. Anyone who wanted to could leave tokens of appreciation around the memorial and there were many things around it. It was adorned with money, a playing card with hand written notes on them, candles (some that were real that had been lit and some that were flame less), there were bracelets with beads, and necklaces with crosses on them and lots of flowers some that were fake and some that were real and they had let die.

In the back room there was a door made of heavy wood decorated in beautiful tapestry where they were doing readings. The door was shut and you could feel a sense of power coming from that door, this sense was felt throughout this entire room. It wasn't a sense of evil which I believe that some feel voodoo is, it was a sense of peace, a sense of welcoming and a sense of the rid of evil. I felt very safe in this place and I didn't want to leave.








 

The piece I purchased was my favorite piece in the entire store It is Bells and Chimes and they are used to drive away negativity and evil spirits and to bring good energy.















As I explored the city today on my own I was in awe of all of the talent that is here. I met a local artist that takes things from the earth as he travels and makes them into art, i met a woman who works with leather to make the most beautiful jewelry and a gentleman who takes stones and wraps them in wire to make rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings to whatever style you like. You hear music wherever you go and if you are hungry there is any type of food you would like to eat within walking distance. The city of New Orleans is ALIVE! I would have to say that is my word for NOLA and that may be a bit of an understatement. The people here are not judgemental of one another they enjoy life and they live life to the fullest. If they are someone who lives on the streets they find a way to try and make it by using their talents to make people laugh or they play music on the streets to get tips. Yes there is a lot of poverty and quite a bit of homeless here that beg for help and money, which I feel is terribly sad but you will find this in many places.


If I learned one thing it would be that I love the history of NOLA and the trip that I have taken here and what I have learned but I don't know if NOLA is a city that I would come to vacation or come back to. If I was traveling through I would absolutely stop to listen to music and have dinner at a few restaurants but now that I have experienced NOLA I would be satisfied not returning. But I had the best time with the best friends.