"New Orleans" a New Orleans Travel Page by saccharinicity

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Surrounded by the Spirit
There are very few things I love more than the magical city of New Orleans, Louisiana. My first trip was in January of 2002 and since then I have been back 7 times, each time bringing new people to experience the wonder of "the city that care forgot." This city bewitches me.

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"Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans and miss it each night and day
I know I’m not wrong... this feeling’s gettin’ stronger, the longer I stay away
Miss them moss covered vines...the tall sugar pines where mockin’ birds used to sing
And I’d like to see that lazy mississippi...hurryin’ into spring

The moonlight on the bayou.......a creole tune.... that fills the air
I dream... about magnolias in bloom......and I’m wishin’ I was there

Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans
When that’s where you left your heart...?"

-Louis Armstrong
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As soon as I arrived in New Orleans I felt a sense of peace come over me. New Orleans is without a doubt one of the most spiritual places I have been. Whether it is walking the street at sunset with the smell of jasmine and pralines, or sitting along the bank of the Mississippi with my eyes closed and a man playing the saxophone nearby, this city just does something to my heart. No matter when I visit, I always return a renewed person; my heart has been put at ease. It is hard to believe such a unique city exists in the United States.

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New Orleans has a reputation of being the "Mardi Gras" town full of topless women and drunk frat boys on Bourbon Street. I would be remiss if I stated that this was not the case, but there is so much more to this beautiful city than just the booze and the breasts. New Orleans gives you a chance to let go and to really feel alive. The history, architechture and people that make up this wonderous place belong here. It is a world away from the world. It is a city where you can dance in the streets without being stared at, a city in which you can say hi to complete strangers and make a new best friend, and a city where adventures find you. New Orleans is magic in its purest form.

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While the tourist areas of New Orleans were spared most of the wrath of Hurricane Katrina, the people who live and work in this area -- the people who make this city what it is -- still need help to get their glorious city back on track again, and every little bit helps. When government fails, it is up to the helping hands of caring, compassionate, everyday people to aid in their recovery. New Orleans is on its way back, but they still need our help. Whether by spending your tourist dollars on local businesses, donating to food banks, rebuilding of homes, or by your donations -- any ounce given is one more ounce back to rebuild what is arguably the most unique city in the United States.
Habitat for Humanity
American Red Cross
Second Harvest Food Bank
United Way
Make It Right
Louisiana SPCA
Volunteer New Orleans
The New Orleans Musicians Relief Fund