When I read this, it makes me wish it was October.

Tonight I was rechecking apartment prices and job listings in New Orleans just to keep my finger on the pulse, so to speak, and I came across this article/blog entry that made me long for my adventure to truly begin! I'll link the page at the end, but I just want to share some excerpts that really stuck out for me.

"Music! Don’t even know where to start. The jazz, the creole, the zydeco, the blues – all with venues that are legendary and historic and to die for. I don’t forsee myself getting tired of dba, the Maple Leaf, Donna’s, Spotted Cat, Preservation Hall or for my indie music fix One-Eyed Jacks.

Festivals! Did you know there is actually a festival season? Yup there is. It’s technically in the spring and you just haven’t lived until you’ve eaten Crawfish Monica at Jazz Fest. But that’s not even the tip of the iceberg. Cause really festivals are all year long. Any time there is a weekend a reason to celebrate, people will come together for what they call a “fest.” French Quarter Fest, Mardi Gras, Voodoo Experience, countless smaller fests happening all the time promoting all the good local music and local food New Orleans has to offer. What struck me the most about New Orleans’ festivals when I was there this spring? The sense of FAMILY. Babies and grandmas are out at the festivals, it’s not just about a small demographic of college-aged kids out there listening to music, it’s everyone. And everyone is having a good time.

Culture! From second lines through the streets to sno-balls lines in the summer, competitions with men and women yelling “STELLA!” as loud as they can in Jackson Square to sitting next at Cafe du Monde with a beignet watching time go by, there is no end to the culture in New Orleans. Or the educational opportunities to find out about it, since New Orleans is home to Tulane University, Loyola University and the University of New Orleans."

I don't know about the rest of you, but experiencing all of this, even if in just a small dose, seems like an amazing way to live. I can already feel the energy and spirit of the city and I haven't ever been there! (Now lets hope I don't get there and hate it. :P)

Anywho, just had to share all that. The whole article can be found here.

In other news, I've decided that since I'm relocating to a new region of the country, I need to take advantage of my time left in the west and re-experience what it has to offer. So far this is to include a trip to Yellowstone/Jackson, Wyoming, and hopefully a little SoCal time. If any of you Westerners have any other suggestions for what I should include in my farewell tour, feel free to comment!!