Solo Time in New Orleans Part One - Tragedy and War

 November 7-10, 2018
New Orleans, Louisiana

Happy Thanksgiving everybody! There is so very much to be grateful for.

When our dear friend Coy passed away a few weeks ago we knew that one of us needed to be there for his celebration of life. Although Coy and I were great friends when I was in high school, and have had wonderful times in the last many years, he and Bill got really close in recent visits, and I agree it's best that he be the one to go. 

So I looked at our planned route to decide where I'd like to spend five days on my own - where there were things I wanted to do that Bill wasn't interested in.

New Orleans checks the most boxes, including having cheaper flights to Los Angeles than some of the other options. It means speeding up our travels through the southeast, but with the heat and humidity we figured that was just fine!

Wednesday morning we're still under cloudy skies when we pull out of Bay St Louis. It's an easy 100 mile drive on I-10 (so weird to think we could just keep driving on this highway and end up on the Pacific coast!). 

I'm going to be on my own in a city with a less-than-stellar reputation so I choose not to stay in the parks in the middle of the city. As we get off the highway and navigate through the horrible potholes, alongside the railroad tracks, and past the dilapidated warehouses, I'm wondering what I've set myself up for! I already know I'm not going out after dark :-)

What could go wrong?

A large industrial area with a very active train yard.

Inside the park is much nicer!

This beauty across from the park makes it feel much more New Orleans!

After dropping Bill off at the airport in the late morning, Tessa and I head into town to do a little shopping. And I get a really horrible phone call. 

Unbelievably, Coy's youngest sister has had a heart attack! Their brother Jimmy calls to tell me she's unconscious, and it doesn't look good. What? He also contacts Bill who hasn't boarded yet. I spend all day trying to wrap my head around this wonderful family facing so much tragedy. 

Coy and Darla - RIP my dear friends.

It turns out that Jimmy and sister Polly are forced to say good-bye to their younger sister the night before the memorial for their older brother on Saturday. I stay in contact with Bill and others over the weekend - so much grief and reminiscing. 

I check out a bit of the city before heading home. Thursday night my Steelers have an outstanding game that cheers me up a bit. 

I love the character and color of the homes.

After I pick Tessa up from her early grooming appointment on Friday, I find a parking place for the National WWII Museum. I've heard mixed reviews and am looking forward to seeing it for myself. With rain expected, it seems like the perfect day to check it out.

Originally the D-Day Museum, opened here because the Higgins Boats that landed at Normandy were built in New Orleans. (thanks Jim!)

After 30 minutes in line (where I swear Tessa is petted by every person), I spend nearly five hours exploring the history of the "great war". The visuals, interactive exhibits, electronic maps, immersive environments, artifacts, videos, photos and personal stories are extremely well done. Even with the crowds I'm able to experience the majority of it. 

One of two entrances, this is a popular place. Note the Higgins in the back.

The exhibit hall with the planes and trucks is closed for the day, and I opt out of the submarine. Since my dad was a submariner during the war I probably should have chanced the claustrophobia. Still, it's a very full day of learning.

A large exhibit on Bob Hope and the USO - what an impact they had!

Visual propaganda was prolific in the US.

I found the maps most helpful in understanding what was happening where and when.

The jungle environment is very dramatic with films projected on large canvas tarps strung between the trees.

I found the internal debate within the United States very interesting. Would an earlier entry into the war have saved lives in Asia and Europe? Would there have been no attack on Pearl Harbor? Would it have escalated the battles and meant the loss of more lives? We'll never know.

Artifacts from multiple battles.

Limited staples available in US kitchens.

While there are numerous exhibits on the bombing of entire cities, the gruesome torture of European and Asian citizens, and the destruction of cultural and historical treasures in numerous countries - the hardships in the United States are stories of women having to work, and families learning to cook around rations. Of course the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and Axis ships off both coasts, kept Americans fearful that we would be attacked at any time. The loss of American lives in battle was horrendous. Still, our war experience was so much different than the rest of the world.

Newsreel footage among the "ruins" of Anzio.

Finalizing the Japanese surrender.

There are a lot of images that bring me to tears. The reality of the horrors humans inflicted on other humans is overwhelming. This flag made by hand by French teenagers, and given to the American troops who liberated their town, is very moving.

I enjoyed my visit, but found it challenging to "follow". The maps helped with chronology, but the exhibits were disjointed. The "dog tag" that I waited in line for added nothing to the experience. I never did see anything about what I know were joyful celebrations at the end of the war. Still, I highly recommend the museum.

It's exhausting being adored all day.

Saturday is cloudy and cold, not a good day for exploring the city. Instead I clean house and do a cupboard and bin purge. If we haven't used it in a year we don't need it! I bundle up, and Tessa and I walk around the park a couple times. 

In California Bill and our friends gather to celebrate Coy's life and reminisce about all the crazy antics shared over the years.

Nearly 200 people show up to say good-bye in the middle of the desert.

It's always good to see old friends - Mike, Patty, Rita and Stacy with Bill.

"Dude!" Bill's friends having fun with him. It's a long story.....

Tessa and I have a few more days before Bill returns. Is it really safe to be solo in New Orleans?