A Day Off

Outer Journey

Kate with her amazing frozen ice coffee

Today was our day to explore the city on our own time. Kate, Brynna, Kayla, and I walked to one of the local shops that sells all sorts of New Orleans attire. We bought some t-shirts and other little things to bring home to remember our time here. After that we went back to our favorite little pub called "Molly's on the Market". After enjoying a delicious frozen coffee there, we went to Jackson Square and indulged in some street performers. There was a group of men dancing and doing different acrobatics. They were so impressive with their moves and how they drew the crowd in. They used tactics such as making jokes and showing off their little moves. After we watched this and gave them some cash, we went to Voodoo authentica. The other three in my group got a reading done by a medium which they said was very personable. I was impressed with their results and it seemed very real. Lastly, we went to the House of Voodoo Museum. While walking through the building you could feel an overwhelming feeling of a energy. It felt like a sacred place. There were little pieces of paper rolled up with money wrapped around it as an offering to the voodoo Gods. Many people wrote their wishes on this paper and prayed for the voodoo to work. The house was full of statues and other pieces that represented this religion. It was amazing to experience the culture that so many people in this area believe in. It was nice to explore the city all day in the way that we wanted to. We got to stay for as long as we wanted wherever we went and we could take the time to sit and listen to music or performers if wanted. I felt like a true New Orleans resident today after finally catching on to directions and local stores.

Inner Journey

Marie Laveau picture in Voodoo Museum

I think the most enlightening part of today was the voodoo Gods that people believe in. As nurses we must be open and aware of other religious practices for our patients. Learning about their beliefs and how they do not treat diseases or illness the same as other religions is refreshing. I believe in alternative medicine and seeking different treatment, so opening my horizons to this is great for my future career. I learned about why this religion does certain practices such as dancing. One of the exhibits explained that the religion dances as a way of becoming possessed by the spirits. They use musical rhythms to call the spirits and then they engage in activities in the real world. It is a way for followers to honor their ancestors and let them "have fun". Before nursing school, it was very easy for me to label out of the norm religious practices as weird or freaky. Now I have widened my horizons and accepted that it is great for there to be cultural differences in this world because it would be so boring without it. Coming on this trip and experiencing many different people and their cultural practices has helped me validate my growth in this area. I hope to continue to have a New Orleans mindset throughout my life and career so that I will always be the best I can be. This city has opened by eyes since day one and has been a blissful experience all the way through.